- Ben Stokes withdraws from T20 World Cup, prioritizing fitness
- Chronic knee injury sidelines Stokes, disrupting England’s T20 plans
- Stokes aims for full recovery, focusing on Test cricket first
Following Ben Stokes’ decision to withdraw from the squad to concentrate on his fitness to bat and bowl during a hectic Test summer, England’s prospects of retaining their men’s T20 World Cup title in the Caribbean this summer have been a severe blow.
After bowling in the final Test in India last month, Stokes appeared poised to be selected as an all-rounder for the Twenty20 World Cup, a result that Matthew Mott, England’s white-ball coach, had anticipated and planned for. Stokes has determined, however, that his priorities lie elsewhere, given his status as Test team captain and the fact that the team will face West Indies and Sri Lanka in two three-match Test series during the summer.
Stokes, who withdrew from the ongoing Indian Premier League in November, citing the Twenty20 World Cup as a contributing factor, has postponed his return to white-ball cricket even further. However, his statement of decision prominently featured assurances that he continues to be dedicated to the shorter formats of the sport.
“I am diligently striving to restore my bowling fitness so that I can play the full role of an all-rounder in all cricket formats,” he explained. “I hope that by opting out of the IPL and the World Cup, I will be able to make the sacrifice of becoming the all-rounder for which I have high hopes for the foreseeable future.”
Stokes has struggled with a chronic injury to his left knee, suspected of being patellar tendonitis, for the past two years. This condition has, at times, significantly restricted his mobility and impeded his ability to bowl entirely. From June 30, 2013, until June 30, 2023, he participated in 228 completed international matches, of which 211 were bowling matches. During that time, he established himself as arguably the preeminent all-rounder in the world. However, in the seventeen international appearances that have followed, he has only managed to bowl once. He served as a specialist batsman for last summer’s final four Ashes Tests, the initial four against India, and the 50-over World Cup that transpired in the interval.
“The recent Test tour of India demonstrated how far behind I was in bowling after nine months without bowling and knee surgery,” Stokes said. “I eagerly anticipate representing Durham in the County Championship before the commencement of our Test summer. I sincerely wish to Motty, Jos [Buttler, England’s white-ball captain], and the entire team as they valiantly defend our title.
Dr. Andy Williams, a surgeon whose past clients have included Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool, Callum Wilson of Newcastle, and John Terry of Chelsea, performed surgery on Stokes’ knee in November of last year. Twelve to thirteen weeks following the surgery, the 32-year-old was expected to be unable to bowl; however, he returned to the nets with a ball in his palms within ten days. “My knee is in excellent condition,” he declared in February. “I have laboriously achieved my current position. “Absolutely in advance of schedule.”
“Take a step towards financial freedom – claim your free Webull shares now!”
Since then, there have been no additional setbacks; however, Stokes has encountered sufficient obstacles to warrant a cautious approach to his recovery. His decision will significantly disrupt Mott’s World Cup preparations: in 2022, when England won the tournament in Australia, Stokes bowled all six matches and averaged 36.66 with the bat, including match-winning innings in the final.
In December, the Australian stated, “Ben, in addition to his extraordinary match-winning ability in all areas, the ability to have a seam bowler in that top six gives you so many options with your team balance.” “The process of selection is significantly simplified.” “He is uncommon and every team in the world desires someone like that.”
