Ben Stokes has pulled out of the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024 in the West Indies and USA in order to focus on his fitness. Stokes, who hit an unbeaten fifty in the final of the previous edition in Australia to guide England to the title, has revealed that he intends to regain full fitness in order to bowl again and asked the ECB not to consider him for selection.
Ben Stokes made a remarkable return to England's squad for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, coming out of ODI retirement to join the mega-event.
However, throughout the tournament, Stokes grappled with knee issues, limiting his participation to just six of England’s nine matches as a specialist batter.
Following the World Cup, Stokes underwent knee surgery and marked his return during England’s five-match Test series against India earlier this year. Despite his limited bowling, Stokes made a memorable comeback during the final Test, clinching the wicket of his counterpart Rohit Sharma with an exquisite delivery.
BEN STOKES OPTED OUT OF THE 2024 T20 WORLD CUP TO PRIORITISE TEST CRICKET...!!!! pic.twitter.com/CEAgiyFCW9
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) April 2, 2024
A statement from the ECB said that Stokes is looking to regain his bowling fitness ahead of the upcoming England Test summer. The talismanic cricketer had earlier opted out of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) to get fit to play as an all-rounder.
“I’m working hard and focusing on building my bowling fitness back up to fulfill a full role as an all-rounder in all formats of cricket. Opting out of the IPL and the World Cup will hopefully be a sacrifice that allows me to be the all-rounder I want to be for the foreseeable future," Stokes said in an interview with the ECB.
“The recent Test tour of India highlighted how far behind I was from a bowling point of view after my knee surgery and nine months without bowling. I’m looking forward to playing for Durham in the County Championship before the start of our Test summer. I wish Jos, Motty, and all the team the best of luck in defending our title," he added.
England kick off their campaign on 4 June against Scotland in Barbados. Placed in Group B, they will also face tough competition from Australia, Namibia and Oman in their quest for success.
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