The wait is over and the most awaited ICC Event the ODI World Cup 2023 India has been kick-started. But bad news for England as they will miss the services of 2019 World Cup’s hero, Ben Stokes due to a slight Hiip Niggle. Jos Buttler knows the importance of the all-rounder in the team and that’s why he will not take any risk at the start of the tournament.
Ben Stokes Came out of his ODI retirement after a request was made by the England Cricket Management and senior players in August. He wanted to concentrate on his test career but the team’s request made him play again for the side in the ICC Mega Event.
Jos Buttler indicated earlier that the team will not take any risk by playing such an asset early in the tournament. Jos Buttler said, “We’ll make the right call. If he’s not fit to play, he’s not fit to play. If he is, we can make that decision. It’s not the time to take big risks on someone at the start of the tournament. Near the end, maybe you do take more of a risk with people’s injuries, but it’s going to be a long tournament.”
That looks like a nice decision as Ben Stokes is one of the key players in England’s squad for the World Cup. He can be lethal for any opposition with his bowling, batting, and fielding. Man of the Match in the 2019 World Cup’s final defines his calibour and potential. He was the only one who stood against New Zealand’s attack and won the title for England.
In the recent series against New Zealand, he played very well. In his last ODI inning against he played one of the innings of life by scoring 182 runs, facing 124 balls with a strike rate of 146+. He was looking in good touch but unfortunately, he was rested for the last ODI of the series. He couldn’t participate in both warm-up games.
If he couldn’t play for England it would be a great loss. We hope that he stays fit and plays for his country. His presence will be a morale booster for the team. GOOD LUCK BEN STOKES
