After ODI World Cup, England Test skipper Ben Stokes to undergo knee surgery

England's Ben Stokes is set to undergoa surgery on his troublesome knee after the ODI World Cup, the all-rounder and Test captain said on Friday (Nov 3). The 32-year-old has not been bowling regularly due to his knee issues, which also hampered his run at the IPL 2023. He, however, expects to return in time to lead England in the five-match Test series versus hosts India early next year.

Ahead of Jos Buttler-led England's World Cup clash versus Australia in Ahmedabad on Saturday (Nov 4), Stokes told reporters, "I’ll be fine for the Test series in India. But yes, I am having surgery after the World Cup."

He added, "Not bowling makes it seem a lot longer than what it normally is. But over the last 18 months, it’s been ‘will I, won’t I? It’s probably the first time since I’ve had this knee issue where it’s been quite clear that I’m not going to be bowling."

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Stokes has had injury issues since the start of the year. He was out of the second half of IPL 2023, where he represented MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK), after playing just two games and didn't bowl.

He somehow managed past the entire home Ashes series, but bowled just 29 overs in five games (taking three scalps).

With the bat, he was at his best, scoring 405 runs including a century andtwo fifties.

Stokes returned to ODIs, after a shock retirement last year, for the World Cup in India but has not managed to inspire the defending champions as Buttler & Co are reeling at the bottom with only one win from six games.

He has not got big runs playing just as a batter in the mega event.