Ben Stokes, the star allrounder for the England cricket team, is highly unlikely to participate in England’s second World Cup game against Bangladesh. Stokes has been nursing a sore left hip and hasn’t played a competitive match since smashing 182, England’s highest ODI score, against New Zealand almost a month ago.
Stokes had come out of ODI retirement to make himself available as a specialist batter for the World Cup, despite his chronic left-knee injury. Although he has been batting in the nets and showing signs of improvement, he’s not expected to be fit for the game against Bangladesh. England’s fixture against Afghanistan in Delhi is seen as a more plausible comeback opportunity for Stokes.
Butler talks about Stokes
Jos Buttler, England’s captain, provided some optimism by stating that Stokes was progressing well and doing more each day. However, he later clarified that Stokes was probably unlikely to play in the upcoming match against Bangladesh.
“Progressing well… he is doing more and more each day and seems to be improving, so it is good signs.” But he clarified at his pre-match press conference: “It’s good to see him back in the nets and building back towards full fitness, but he’s probably unlikely for tomorrow.”
In Stokes’ absence, Harry Brook took up the No. 4 position in the match against New Zealand. Although he showed promise by scoring 25 off 15 balls, he eventually got out while attempting to hit a fourth successive boundary. Brook is expected to continue in the same role against Bangladesh, where he will face the challenge of dealing with Bangladesh’s spinners.
The match against Bangladesh will be played on a fresh pitch, different from the slow surface on which Bangladesh secured a victory over Afghanistan. England is contemplating bringing in an extra seamer into their side, with Reece Topley being a likely candidate, possibly replacing Moeen Ali.
Buttler acknowledged the possibility of picking an extra seamer, mentioning that the pitch at the venue can offer good pace and bounce. England is considering various lineup options to maintain a different balance for the match.
In summary, while there is hope that Ben Stokes is recovering well, it is unlikely that he will be available for England’s game against Bangladesh, with his potential return anticipated in a later fixture against Afghanistan.
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