ENG vs NZ: Revealed - Why Ben Stokes Is Not Playing Today's Match Against New Zealand

Jos Buttler has confirmed that England would begin their World Cup defense without their star allrounder Ben Stokes. The England captain confirmed the news after the toss for the game against New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Ben Stokes came out of ODI retirement to help England in the World Cup. He is expected to ply his trade only as a specialist batter due to his chronic knee issue. The England Test captain, who was the Player of the Match in the final of the last World Cup, missed his team’s warm-up game against Bangladesh earlier this week due to a left hip complaint.

And he has failed to recover fully in time for the World Cup opener. Speaking after losing the toss, Jos Buttler confirmed that his team would play without Ben Stokes as the star player is suffering from a ‘niggle with his hip’. Jos Buttler also confirmed that Gus Atkinson, Reece Topley, and David Willey will not play the game.

“Would’ve bowled first as well. Looks a really good wicket. Preparation has been okay. Had a good series against NZ at home. Very proud of the achievement four years ago. Ben’s going to miss this game. Has a niggle with his hip. Guys missing out are Atkinson, Topley, Willey and Stokes,” said Jos Buttler.

England and New Zealand playing XIs:

Meanwhile, New Zealand have decided to bowl first after winning the toss. The Black Caps will play the game without their talismanic leader and batting mainstay Kane Williamson. The New Zealand skipper batted in both the warm-up games but is still not match fit. Lockie Ferguson will also miss the game due to a niggle. In Williamson’s absence, Tom Latham will lead New Zealand.

New Zealand Playing XI:

Devon Conway, Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham(w/c), Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner, James Neesham, Matt Henry, Trent Boult

England Playing XI:

Jonny Bairstow, Dawid Malan, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler(w/c), Liam Livingstone, Moeen Ali, Sam Curran, Chris Woakes, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood