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Ben Stokes (Source: Twitter)
England Test captain Ben Stokes is set to undergo surgery at the end of the ongoing ODI World Cup in an attempt to repair his long-term left knee injury. The 32-year-old has been struggling with the problem for at least 18 months and as a result, he has not bowled regularly. Stokes is expected to return in time for the five-match Test series against India, which begins on January 25.
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The star all-rounder had originally planned to have the surgery after this summer's Ashes series, in which Australia retained the title with a 2-2 series draw. However, he decided to be a part of his national team's ODI World Cup campaign in India. The southpaw came out of retirement for England's title defence, but things didn't go as planned for him and the team.
Jos Buttler and Co. are almost eliminated from the premier 50-over tournament as they lost five out of their six games. As a result of a horror outing, they are currently bottom of the points table and just one more defeat would confirm their return date to England. Due to a hip injury, Stokes had to sit out of England’s first three matches. The 2019 World Cup final hero returned to the team for the remaining matches, but nothing happened differently for them.
Stokes hopes to make a return in India tour
Speaking on the eve of his side's clash against Australia in Ahmedabad, Stokes said: “I’ll be fine for the test series in India. But yes, I am having surgery after the World Cup,” Stokes told reporters ahead of Saturday’s World Cup game against Australia in Ahmedabad.
“Not bowling makes it seem a lot longer than what it normally is. But over the last 18 months, it’s been ‘will I, won’t I?’ It’s probably the first time since I’ve had this knee issue where it’s been quite clear that I’m not going to be bowling," he added.
Stokes' participation in the test tour of India will be crucial for England. Their 'bazball' has found decent success outside Asia, but it remains to be seen how their aggressive approach will pan out in India. The first Test in Hyderabad will begin on January 25 and the team is expected to fly to the UAE for a warm-up camp two weeks before.