Ben Stokes Out Of Australia ODIs, Likely To Return During India T20Is

Ben Stokes, the England allrounder has been ruled out of the remaining three games of the ongoing ODI series against Australia. England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed the news through a press release on Monday.

The English board stated that Stokes is “progressing well” after sustaining a torn left hamstring a couple of weeks ago. His batting is unrestricted and he is able to run at 90% capacity so will begin a “return-to-bowling programme” this week. The release further stated that the ace allrounder is likely to join his English teammates for practise during the 4th and 5th ODI. Stokes is likely to return to international cricket during next month’s T20I series against India at home.

“England and Durham all-rounder Ben Stokes’ torn left hamstring is progressing well, at just over two weeks since he sustained the injury in the build-up to the second Test against Pakistan at Emerald Headingley. He can bat fully and is now able to run at 90 percent capacity,” read the statement.

“He will commence his return to bowling programme this week. The plan is for Ben to continue his rehabilitation programme with the England squad during the 4th and 5th ODIs at Emirates Riverside and Emirates Old Trafford. He is expected to be involved in preparation, with a view to being available to play in the T20Is against India starting next month,” it added.

Stokes last played for England during the first Test against Pakistan at Lord’s. He had failed to make much of an impact as the visitors beat the hosts by 9 runs. He had sustained the injury during fielding practice.

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He will be keen to hit the ground running upon his comeback. Ever since returning to the England squad after the bar brawl, he has not quite managed to deliver as per reputation. He also had a poor outing in the Indian Premier League. The 27-year old scored just 196 runs and took 8 wickets in 13 games for Rajasthan Royals.

Meanwhile, the three-match T20I series will get underway on July 3. After that, the teams will play three ODIs and five Tests.