Ben Stokes’ injured knee appears set to change into as a lot part of Ashes folklore as Terry Alderman’s shoulder, Glenn McGrath’s ankle and Jofra Archer’s elbow.
England are hoping in contrast to these accidents Stokes’ left knee doesn’t maintain him out of any Test matches, however he has joined his Indian Premier League facet solely after having an injection in it.
Stokes is because of play for Chennai Super Kings (CSK), who open the IPL in opposition to defending champions Gujarat Titans in Friday.
He won’t, nevertheless, be bowling, mentioned CSK’s batting coach Mike Hussey.
“He’s ready to go as a batsman from the start, the bowling might be wait and see. I know he had his first very light bowl this week since he had his injections in his knee,” mentioned the Australian.
“My understanding is he won’t be bowling much at all in the first few games of the tournament, or it might be a few weeks. Hopefully we’ll get him bowling at some stage in the tournament.”
The all-rounder was visibly troubled by his knee throughout England’s latest sequence in New Zealand. He bowled solely 9 of the 345 overs England despatched down (40-year-old Jimmy Anderson bowled 43).
He was clearly restricted by it when batting in England’s last innings having appeared to exacerbate the damage within the subject.
In a super world England would like he didn’t go to the IPL, however CSK paid 1.6 million kilos ($A2.9 million) for his providers and Stokes has lengthy mentioned he’ll honour his dedication (with the proviso he leaves earlier than the finals to organize for England’s first Test of the summer season in opposition to in opposition to Ireland, starting on 1 June).
However if Stokes cannot bowl, that impacts the steadiness of the facet, England historically preferring to go along with 5 bowlers, one being an all-rounder, than 4 as Australian groups usually do. Ironically the emergence of Cam Green means it could possibly be the vacationers with the additional bowler this sequence.
And if the damage really prevents Stokes enjoying, an actual risk with 5 Tests in seven weeks, properly that is one thing English cricket would relatively not take into consideration.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
