England's plan for Stokes as injury-stricken star misses another World Cup match

15 October 2023 , 10:43

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Ben Stokes is trying to overcome a hip injury (Image: Getty Images)

Ben Stokes is expected to be fit for England's next Cricket World Cup match against South Africa in Mumbai on Saturday.

Stokes is yet to feature in the tournament having missed England's games against New Zealand, Bangladesh and Afghanistan after picking up a hip injury. He is also suffering from a long-term knee problem, although that isn't the reason for his current absence.

It was hoped Stokes would make his return against Afghanistan in Delhi on Sunday, but England named an unchanged side. Harry Brook has deputised for the Test captain in his absence from the white-ball side, yet he's set to make way for Stokes on Saturday.

Sky Sports pundit Mike Atherton provided an update on Stokes' fitness ahead of Sunday's game. "We understand that he's very close to full fitness," said the former England captain. "I suspect that if this was a crunch game against South Africa or one of the games closer to the qualifying stages or indeed a knockout game, then he'd be fit to play.

"But they've got a bit of a break after this game and then that big match against South Africa at Mumbai at the weekend. I'd expect him to be absolutely fit and ready to go."

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England have six World Cup fixtures remaining after their clash against Afghanistan - with India, Australia and Pakistan all to come. Jos Buttler will be desperate to have Stokes available for those crucial matches, as his team look to defend their title.

Joe Root, who is arguably England's strongest batter, is confident Stokes will be back sooner rather than later. "Ben seems to be getting better day by day," said Root, as quoted by Sky Sports.

"He's trained really well, he's had a bat and seems to be improving. They're all good signs ahead. As we all know, any team with Ben in it is a lot stronger, but he's got to be fit to play."

Stokes is close to making his comeback (Getty Images)

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England suffered a humbling nine-wicket defeat to New Zealand in their World Cup opener, but they responded well by beating Bangladesh by 137 runs in their next match. A defeat to Afghanistan would be a huge blow for the defending champions.

England will need to be at their best to defeat South Africa. The Proteas have made a sensational start to their campaign, beating Sri Lanka by 102 runs and Australia by 134 runs. Opener Quinton de Kock has already scored two centuries in the tournament.

South Africa boast an explosive batting line-up, with Temba Bavuma, Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller joining De Kock at the top of the order. They also have a superb bowling attack, led by Lungi Ngidi and Kagiso Rabada.

England fans will remember Stokes' astonishing catch against South Africa in the opening game of the last one-day international World Cup. Nasser Hussain famously reacted on commentary: "Oh! No way! No, no way! You cannot do that, Ben Stokes!"

Tom Blow