The specialist batter Ben Stokes is set to return to England’s playing 11 for the match against South Africa in the World Cup 2023.
Ben Stokes to return for England 11
England has played three matches so far in the ICC World Cup 2023 and was able to draw out only one victory in the match against Bangladesh. They lost the match against New Zealand and Afghanistan.
With England to face South Africa in the next match, the England player Ben Stokes is determined to play the match against South Africans and told the media about his progress after his hip niggle.
[It was] a frustrating little niggle to get before the tournament starts,” Stokes told media on Thursday. “But I have worked very hard to get back to where I am and making myself ready to be available for selection.”
Recently, England coach Matthew Mott spoke to the media on the return of Ben Stokes to the side for the upcoming match. Following his interview, the batter himself spoke to the media.
“We have had a few days off since the last game and the first training session here in Mumbai. [I will] give it a good push but, yes, I think everything is pretty good. I am in a good place.”
Stokes who has been sidelined and running the drinks for playing 11 during England’s first three matches said it was frustrating to be ruled out and he will return to the side with the hopes of reaching semi-finals despite the defeats against New Zealand and Afghanistan.
“We are only three games into a tournament,” Stokes said. “There is still a long way to go. It [the loss to Afghanistan] was disappointing in the moment, but at the end of the day, we have lost a game of cricket in a World Cup.
Everyone is going to lose games and it’s one of those things we had to deal with quickly, understand that we didn’t perform well but move on, and understand we have a lot more cricket left to play.”
England had two days for practice sessions after arriving in Mumbai and most players were accompanied by their families.
“It has been a good chance to rest and get fired up and ready for the game against South Africa,” Stokes said. “The families have arrived now which has been really good for some people. We have been out here for three or four weeks, so it’s been a good chance to recharge our batteries.
“We would love to get our second win here. South Africa have been performing really well so far and are a good team. It is exciting as well being at the Wankhede, the first game there [of the World Cup]. It is generally a nice place to bat in particular. Hopefully, it can be one of those games for us where we go out and click,” he concluded.
With Stokes return to the side, England will be facing South Africa on October 21 at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.
