England Test Captain Ben Stokes to Undergo Surgery for Lingering Knee Issue

England’s Test captain, Ben Stokes, has been grappling with a persistent knee problem that has significantly impacted his ability to contribute as an all-rounder. Throughout the ongoing World Cup in India, Stokes has been restricted to playing as a batter only, unable to bowl due to his knee issue.

Despite his admirable efforts to continue playing through the discomfort, Stokes has made the decision to undergo surgery to address the long-standing knee problem. The surgery is slated to take place after the culmination of the World Cup, indicating the seriousness of the issue. 

Hope for a Timely Recovery

England is set to face Australia on Saturday and Pakistan on 11 November to conclude their World Cup campaign. Afterward, they are scheduled to return to India for a five-match Test series beginning on 25 January. Stokes remains optimistic about his chances of regaining full fitness in time for this crucial series.

Stokes, known for his fighting spirit on the cricket field, humorously mentioned, “When we go to those meetings we generally take a physio and doctor, and they start talking, and I just turn up, go to sleep, wake up, and hope it is better.”

The Mystery Knee Issue

Stokes has been dealing with this knee problem for an extended period, although he has not divulged specific details about the nature of the injury when questioned. He last bowled on 1 July during the second Ashes Test at Lord’s.

Notably, Stokes had made a surprise return from his one-day international retirement to participate in England’s World Cup defense. Afterward, he expressed confidence in a “very good plan” to resolve his knee issue.

The timeline for Stokes’s recovery is critical as England is expected to head to the United Arab Emirates for a practice camp before the India series, offering him around eight weeks to regain full fitness. While England’s World Cup campaign has been challenging, Stokes remains determined to return to peak form and contribute to the team’s success on the Test arena.

Stay updated with all the cricketing action, follow Cricadium on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram