‘We’ll see whether it’s…’ – Joe Root gives major update on Ben Stokes’ availability for ODI World Cup 2023

Ben Stokes missed his third consecutive 2023 ODI World Cup match after the premier all-rounder was left out of England’s playing XI against Afghanistan. The defending champions are currently (Sunday, October 15) locking horns with Hashmatullah Shahidi’s side at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. Jos Buttler went with an unchanged side that won against Bangladesh.

Stokes had initially retired from ODIs but reversed his decision to participate in the premier 50-over tournament. Notably, he was a key factor in England’s title win in the 2019 edition. The 32-year-old announced his comeback to ODI cricket with a stunning 182 knock against New Zealand in September. However, a hip injury forced him to sit out of England’s first three World Cup matches.

He’s just got to be ready to play: Joe Root on Ben Stokes’ recovery

Meanwhile, in a press conference ahead of the ENG vs AFG match, star England batter Joe Root said that Stokes is improving day by day. However, the former Test captain did not mention the return date of the southpaw.

“Bency (Stokes) is getting better day by day. He trained really well last night. He had a long bat and seems to be improving. He’s just got to be ready to play. You all know we have a team with Ben (Stokes) in it is a bit stronger but he’s got to be fit to play. We’ll see whether it’s tomorrow (game vs Afghanistan) or next game or further down the line,” Root said.

England started their World Cup campaign with a humiliating defeat against 2019 runners-up New Zealand. However, they bounced back in the next game against Bangladesh with a massive 137-run victory. With Stokes coming into the fold, the English side will gain more strength.

England vs Afghanistan Playing XI

Afghanistan Playing XI: Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Naveen ul Haq, Ikram Ali Khil

England Playing XI: Jonny Bairstow (wk), Dawid Malan, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler (c), Liam Livingstone, Sam Curran, Chris Woakes, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood, Reece Topley