England hopes for Ben Stokes’ recovery ahead of the ICC World Cup clash.
England’s white-ball head coach, Matthew Mott, remains optimistic and is keeping his “fingers crossed” for star all-rounder Ben Stokes to make a full recovery in time for the upcoming ICC World Cup match against South Africa. Stokes has been absent from England’s initial three World Cup matches due to a hip injury, and his absence coincided with disappointing losses to New Zealand and Afghanistan.
Mott stated that the medical staff had been conservative with Stokes, but their confidence grew regarding his potential return for the South African fixture. He expressed hope that Stokes could complete all necessary requirements for his comeback, emphasising Stokes’s leadership role within the team.
The England head coach acknowledged that the team was putting in considerable effort but was struggling with issues related to confidence and attitude. Mott highlighted the need for the squad to regain confidence, assert themselves, and demonstrate a more positive approach, both with the bat and ball.
Ben Stokes’s anticipated return to the Cricket World Cup presents a significant selection dilemma for Mott. While it’s highly likely that Stokes will be back in the lineup, Mott faces the challenge of deciding which player to leave out. Harry Brook’s performance against Afghanistan, where he scored a solid 66 runs, adds complexity to the selection process. Brook has been consistent, and his strong innings made a compelling case for retaining his spot.
Experienced seamer Chris Woakes and all-rounder Sam Curran have struggled with their form, but Stokes’s return further complicates the selection process. Mott highlighted that they would engage in thorough discussions to determine the best balance for the South African match and the prevailing conditions. He expressed confidence in the team’s depth, stating that they would field a strong XI, regardless of the final selection.
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