Due to a hip injury, Ben Stokes may be unable to play in the opening match of the Cricket World Cup 2023 against New Zealand.
England captain Jos Buttler said on Wednesday that “it’s not the time to take risks” with injured star Ben Stokes for England’s World Cup opener against New Zealand. On Thursday, the defending champions England and the Black Caps will take the pitch at Ahmedabad’s 132,000-capacity stadium for the start of the 45-day showcase competition. A little hip niggle has developed in Stokes. Buttler hoped it would be positive news for the team and said as much to the press. He’s been putting in a lot of time with the physios, and we’ll find out more today when the guys show up for training. We will make the proper call if he is not physically able to play. And, he stressed, “The beginning of the tournament is not the time for bold moves. It looks like a marathon a competition.
Having been unable to bowl for some time due to an injury, 32-year-old Stokes was nominated as a specialist batter for the World Cup.
If Stokes can’t play, Harry Brook might make his way into the squad for his seventh ODI since making his 50-over debut in January.
Buttler gushed at the flamboyant batter.
Everyone here recognizes what a great player he is. Buttler, speaking about 24-year-old Brook, called his early international success “the start of an outstanding career” in both Twenty20 and Test cricket.
Although he has extensive One-Day International experience, this is a format that should fit him well. Because he enjoys being at bat for extended periods of time, this will help him score many runs.
When scores were tied after a super over in the 2019 final at Lord’s, the game was decided by counting boundaries.
In September, England beat Australia in an ODI series at home, prevailing 3-1.
At The Oval, Stokes smashed 182 to set up England’s annihilation of New Zealand in that series. It was the highest score by an England batsman in a one-day international.
Buttler said Thursday’s match will not be affected by the 2019 World Cup victory (under Eoin Morgan).
Don’t think so. That was four years ago,” Buttler remarked.
We’ve had some great games versus New Zealand, and this was one of the best. They work along quite well. We’re prepared for a challenging game and looking forward to the World Cup’s opening contest.
Buttler, who led England to a T20 World Cup win last year, claims he is not under any more pressure to lead England to a successful defense of their ODI championship.
Buttler said, “I don’t feel like we’re defending anything,” which is something he has talked about a lot.
“Right now, we’re in the same boat as every other team. Our goal is to bring home the World Cup trophy. We’re all at the same location at the beginning, and we all want to go far.
