ICC World Cup 2023: Ben Stokes Hints At Knee Surgery Post World Cup, Might Miss Test Series Against India
Published - 08 Sep 2023, 04:29 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:18 AM
England’s star all-rounder Ben Stokes is expected to undergo knee surgery after the conclusion of the ODI World Cup 2023, which is set to be held in India. Ben Stokes might not be available for the five-match Test series against India, starting on January 25.
Ben Stokes sustained a knee injury during the Test series in New Zealand earlier this year. The all-rounder did not bowl much in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 or the Ashes 2023 at home. He is set to participate as a specialist batter for England in the World Cup.
Something Happening After The World Cup – Ben Stokes
Speaking to BBC Sport ahead of the first ODI against New Zealand, Ben Stokes hinted about his knee surgery post-World Cup, saying that he’s been in discussions with specialists.
“There will be potential of something happening after the World Cup,” Ben Stokes told BBC on Thursday.
“There’s quite a long time off after the World Cup. I’ve been having some good conversations with some specialists. There is a plan in place. When we do what we need to do to give myself a chance of getting back to being a genuine all-rounder there will be a time when I can say what I’m doing,” he added.
The England team are currently hosting the white-ball series against New Zealand. The first ODI between the two teams will be played at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff on Friday, September 8.
Playing Next Summer As A Genuine All-Rounder – Ben Stokes
The England Test skipper expressed his intention to work towards reclaiming his status as a true all-rounder before the next English summer, but he emphasized that his current focus is on the World Cup.
“I want to be playing next summer as a genuine all-rounder. This winter is all about playing this World Cup, then getting this knee sorted,” he said.
The Jos Buttler-led team will take on 2019 runners-up New Zealand in their first match in the 2023 ODI World Cup at the world’s largest stadium, Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, on October 5. They have a chance to become the second team after Australia to defend the title.
