Stokes to have knee surgery after World Cup

5 months ago 88

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Venue: Ahmedabad Date: Saturday, 4 November Time: 08:30 GMT
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England Test captain Ben Stokes says he will undergo surgery after the World Cup to address his ongoing knee issue.

The 32-year-old's knee has been a long-term problem, with the all-rounder unable to bowl and playing only as a batter during the World Cup in India.

England play Australia on Saturday before their campaign concludes a week later against Pakistan on 11 November.

They return to India for a five-match Test series, starting on 25 January, but Stokes says he hopes to be fit.

"When we go to those meetings we generally take a physio and doctor and they start talking and I just turn up, go to sleep, wake up and hope it is better," said Stokes.

Stokes has been hampered by his knee issue throughout recent years, although he has declined to reveal more about the exact nature of the injury when asked.

He has not bowled since 1 July - day four of the second Ashes Test at Lord's.

He made a shock u-turn on his one-day international retirement to play in England's World Cup defence and after doing so said he had a "very good plan in place" to fix the issue.

It is understood England will fly to the United Arab Emirates for a practice camp before the India series, leaving him around eight weeks to recover in time to travel with the squad.

More to follow.

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