Ben Stokes injury update revealed as England prepare for Bangladesh Cricket World Cup clash

Ben Stokes England cricket

Ben Stokes is currently missing for England at the Cricket World Cup in India

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Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 08/10/2023

- 13:52

The 32-year-old was absent for the defeat to New Zealand on Thursday

Ben Stokes is set to miss England's World Cup clash with Bangladesh on Tuesday.

The veteran is currently injured and was unable to feature in his side's crushing defeat to New Zealand in their opening match of the tournament earlier this week.


Stokes has come out of retirement as England look to retain the competition they won so dramatically four years ago.

However, it seems as though the defending champions will have to cope without their star asset for a little while longer.

Ben Stokes England cricket

Ben Stokes is set to miss England's Cricket World Cup showdown against Bangladesh

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The BBC report Stokes has done some light running in Dharmshala as he looks to make a swift return to action.

However, he apparently 'looked uncomfortable' and is therefore likely to miss the fixture with Bangladesh early next week.

The poor outfield at the ground will 'also be a factor' when it comes to a decision over Stokes' return.

The surface has been criticised by Afghanistan coach Jonathan Trott, with the former England star saying spinner Mujeeb ur Rahman came close to being sidelined.

"We're lucky Mujeeb hasn't got a serious knee injury," he said.

The outfield of the stadium in Dharamshala is becoming an issue.

Back in February the third RTest between India and Australia was moved due to concerns over the surface.

It was inspected by the ICC's head of events, Chris Tetley, and pitch consultant Andy Atkinson as part of a scheduled visit on Sunday.

England opted to head into the nets, rather than train on the field, with team management discussing the issue.

It's stated players may be advised not to slide when chasing the ball to the boundary in order to avoid injury.

A spokesperson for the ICC said: "The process for assessing the condition of the pitch and outfield lies with the match officials.

"And the outfield at Dharamshala was rated as average after the Afghanistan v Bangladesh match.

"Additionally, the ICC independent pitch consultant has taken a look at the outfield today and is comfortable with the conditions as is Javagal Srinath, the match referee for the next game."

Regarding Stokes, meanwhile, Mark Wood recently insisted the England Test captain wouldn't be rushed back ahead of schedule.

“Obviously we want Stokesy back – he’s a huge player – but he’s not Superman," he stated.

“I don’t want to put too much pressure on him. Other people have to stand up as well.

"It’s not all just about the Messiah Stokesy coming back and him doing everything.

"He’s obviously one of our best players, if not our best player, but all the lads have to stand up as well.”

And Wood also says that, when England step out to face Bangladesh, they'll be looking to silence their critics.

“It’ll be to prove that we want to keep this trophy. It’ll be to prove people wrong – and there’ll be question marks now,” he said.

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England will be looking to bounce back after losing to New Zealand in their Cricket World Cup opener

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“But as a group we believe in each other, and it’s another chance for us to show how good a side we are.”

He continued: “I think a great trait of the group is that sort of resilience and bouncing back and calmness.

“I trust every member in there, they’ve been through bad times and good times. We know that we can do it.”

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