Cricket World Cup 2023: England’s Ben Stokes to have knee surgery after tournament

England Test captain Ben Stokes says he’ll endure surgery after the World Cup to tackle his ongoing knee concern.

The 32-year-old’s knee has been a long-term downside, with the all-rounder unable to bowl and taking part in solely as a batter in the course of the World Cup in India.

They return to India for a five-match Test collection, beginning on 25 January, however Stokes says he hopes to be match.

“There was a lot of time put into deciding when to get it done,” stated Stokes.

“Obviously the India Test series which we start at the end of January, I should be fine to go by then.”

England play Australia on Saturday earlier than their marketing campaign concludes per week later towards Pakistan on 11 November.

It is known England will fly to the United Arab Emirates for a observe camp earlier than the India collection, leaving him round eight weeks to recuperate in time to journey with the squad.

Stokes has been hampered by his knee concern all through latest years, though he has declined to reveal extra concerning the precise nature of the damage when requested.

When revealing the surgery he remained coy on the particular particulars of the operation however stated he’s not viewing it as career-threatening.

“I always go down with the docs and the physios and they use language that I’ve never heard before,” he stated.

“There’s clearly one thing that wants to be operated on.

“I’ll swap off and let the surgeon do what he does finest, which is repair knees.”

He has not bowled since 1 July – day 4 of the second Ashes Test at Lord’s – which has left England with difficulties balancing their Test and 50-over groups.

He stated he hoped the operation would permit him to play a full function as an all-rounder sooner or later.

“It’s been an enormous hindrance on me and affected what I can do for the crew,” he stated.

“Obviously bowling is what I need to be doing.

“You’d hope it means that I can get back to doing what I’ve been known for, which is playing a role as a batter, and playing a role as a bowler as well.”

England are already all however out of the World Cup with 5 defeats in six matches successfully ending their hopes of reaching the semi-finals with three video games to play.

Defeat towards previous rivals Australia in Ahmedabad would mathematically finish their hopes.

Stokes stated England nonetheless had a “lot to play for,” including that video games towards Australia are “always a big occasion”.

“We’ve had a disastrous World Cup and there’s no point sugar-coating that because it’s the truth,” he added.

“The biggest thing we’ve got to play for is obviously the pride of what it is to put the three Lions on your chest.”

The assembly would be the first between the 2 sides since this summer time’s Ashes, which England fought again to draw 2-2.

Australia captain Pat Cummins stated he was shocked by England’s struggles of their title defence however performed down the importance of having the ability to mathematically finish their previous rivals’ hopes.

“I mean it helps our chances to get into the semi so that’s probably the overarching feeling of winning this one,” he stated.

“It’s been an previous rivalry so, in the event that they beat us, I do know it is most likely simply that little bit sweeter than beating different groups.

“And the identical with their historical past of how properly they’ve accomplished in white-ball cricket. It can be an ideal win.”

Australia will have to make two enforced adjustments for the match.

Glenn Maxwell is out after struggling a concussion falling off the again of a golf buggy, whereas Mitchell Marsh has returned to Australia for private causes.

The almost certainly situation is a recall for Marcus Stoinis and fellow all-rounder Cameron Green.