Due to a hip injury, England star Ben Stokes may miss the team’s World Cup opener against New Zealand. The news was confirmed and acknowledged by skipper Jos Buttler on Wednesday. Scroll down to read Ben Stokes To Miss World Cup 2023 Opener Amid Hip Injury?
Ben Stokes To Miss World Cup 2023 Opener Amid Hip Injury?
The 10-nation, 45-day grand event will get underway on Thursday at Ahmedabad’s 132,000-capacity stadium with the defending champions England and the Black Caps.
Buttler told reporters, “Stokes is experiencing a minor hip ache. We’re crossing our fingers for positive news. When the players show up for training today, we’ll learn more about how hard he is working with the physios. If he is not fit to play, we will make the appropriate decision.”
“The beginning of the tournament is not the time to take significant risks. The competition will last a long time,” he continued.
Due to a chronic knee problem, the 32-year-old Stokes was chosen as a specialist batsman for the World Cup rather than a bowler. If Stokes is unavailable, Harry Brook, who has played in seven ODIs since making his 50-over debut in January, may be selected.
Buttler commended the daring batsman:
He said, “We are all aware of what a great player he is. The 24-year-old Brook has had a great international debut, both in T20 cricket and the Test format. Although he hasn’t played a lot of ODI cricket, the format should be ideal for him. He will be able to bat for an extended period and score huge runs, which he likes doing.”
A replay of the 2019 final at Lord’s, which was decided by boundary countback after the scores were tied following a super over, will take place on Thursday.
The most recent ODI series between the two teams was won by England 3-1 at home in September.
A thumping of New Zealand at The Oval thanks to Stokes’ 182 was the highest score by an England batsman in a one-day international during that series.
Buttler said that Thursday’s game will not be impacted by the 2019 World Cup final victory — under Eoin Morgan. “I don’t, no. It was a long time ago—four years,” Buttler said.
“We’ve played some amazing games against New Zealand, and this match was no exception. They make a great team. We anticipate an extremely challenging contest and are anticipating the World Cup opener,” he continued.
The burden of being the first England captain to defend their ODI championship is not increased, according to Buttler, who guided the country to a T20 World Cup victory last year.
Buttler stated, “I believe I’ve spoken quite a bit about not feeling like we’re defending anything. We’re currently in a position that is extremely similar to that of every other squad. Our goal is to win the World Cup. All of us are starting from the same point and have high aspirations to succeed.”
