Ben Stokes makes injury confession after England heroics in New Zealand cricket win
Ben Stokes starred with the bat as England smashed New Zealand on Wednesday
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England star Ben Stokes has confessed he always knew he'd be able to play at the upcoming World Cup in the wake of his heroics against New Zealand on Wednesday.
The 32-year-old has suffered with some injuries in recent months, something that's impacted his bowling as a result.
But Stokes, speaking after scoring 182 against New Zealand on Wednesday, has insisted he's always known he'll be playing and that injury wouldn't hinder him.
He said: "Obviously I've been asked a lot about my knee over a long period of time, so I just said that to leave it.
England cricket star Ben Stokes was outstanding in New Zealand win by hitting 182
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"I knew that I'd be playing in these games and potentially in the World Cup then when I said that, but it was just the easiest thing to say that and put you [the press] off the radar."
Stokes came out of retirement earlier this summer.
And the England cricket star has since responded by justifying his own decision by impressing with the bat.
Stokes' innings of 182 means he now holds the record for most runs scored by an Englishman in a ODI 50-over match.
He's beaten the previous record set by Jason Roy, who hit 180 back in 2018.
Stokes, however, has revealed he isn't too 'fussed' by his heroics and merely wants to help his country win matches.
"Individual stuff like that I’m not too fussed about," he confessed.
He added: “It was good for me personally just to get familiarity again with how 50-over cricket goes.
“There were a couple of times I had to check myself, because I looked up and there were still 23, 24 overs left.
"Sometimes you have to drag yourself back I guess, you have way more time than you think.”
England are due to lock horns with New Zealand in their opening match of the Cricket World Cup.
That competition is due to commence on October 5.
And New Zealand coach Gary Stead has praised Stokes while admitting he's happy the England star scored the runs on Wednesday, instead of next month.
"Ben Stokes played an amazing innings, England's best. That was pretty special to watch," he admitted.
"I don't mind Ben Stokes. I'd rather he score them now than on October 5."
The Black Caps head coach also challenged his side to improve, admitting he feels they're not at their best as the World Cup creeps closer.
“I think both teams are taking the opportunity to change their line-ups a little bit,” added the 51-year-old.
“With such a congested period of games in a short period of time, we're certainly mindful of the fact of getting people to the World Cup without significant injury and risk of that as well.
"We've planned out well in advance who will play, and I think England look like they're probably doing that as well.
“England are a quality side, we know that. We also feel like we can beat them on our day as well... we need to play better than what we did today to beat them though.”
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New Zealand cricket coach Gary Stead hailed Ben Stokes after his fine performance for England on Wednesday
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In other cricket news, the sport is set to be introduced to the Olympics in 2028 at the expense of baseball and softball.
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