Ben Stokes is likely to miss the first match against New Zealand. Stokes recently announce his retirement to play in the 2023 ODI World Cup.
Ben Stokes, England’s star all-rounder, is expect to miss the opening match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 between England and New Zealand on October 5 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. England skipper Jos Buttler informed Stokes that he has a minor niggle in his hip ahead of the World Cup opener.
“He has a minor niggle with his hip.” We’re crossing our fingers that it’ll be good news. He’s been working hard with the physios, and we’ll find out more when the players arrive for practice today. “If he’s not fit to play, he’s not fit to play,” England captain Jos Buttler was cited by ESPNCricinfo as saying.
Notably, Ben Stokes did not play in England’s warm-up game against Bangladesh in Guwahati on Monday due to a hip injury sustained in their previous warm-up game against India. Buttler also stated that he is not willing to take major risks early in the campaign.
“If he is, we can make that call.” At the outset of the tournament, it is not the time to take major risks on someone. Near the end, you might take more chances with people’s ailments, but it’ll be a lengthy tournament,” Buttler noted.
Also Visit: PCB chairman Zaka Ashraf wishes the Pakistan men’s cricket squad well
Harry Brook likely to replace Stokes
Stokes just returned to One-Day Internationals after announcing his retirement from the format in July 2022. The 32-year-old made a comeback to remember, scoring the best individual score by an England hitter in ODIs. Stokes batted brilliantly for 182 (124) runs, striking 15 fours and nine sixes.
He concluded the series as the series’ second-highest run-scorer, with 235 runs scored from three innings at an average of 78.33 and a strike rate of 115.76 to his credit.
The rookie batting star Harry Brook, who batted at his position in the warm-up match, is expected to replace the all-rounder.
Also Read: I blame the camera angle, I wasn’t sleeping: Temba Bavuma
