England have been handled an enormous blow forward of the upcoming version of the T20 World Cup. Their key all-rounder Ben Stokes has opted out of the selection for the mega occasion. He was one of the important thing members to assist England win the ultimate of the final version in opposition to Pakistan. But Stokes has determined to not play this time round as he goals to get absolutely match for the house summer season.
For the unversed, Stokes has a troubled knee and solely bowled within the fifth and last Test in opposition to India for the primary time in round 11 months. However, now he needs to regain full health to make himself obtainable as an all-rounder for England. Stokes himself admitted that he needs to return as an all-rounder throughout all codecs of the sport and can function for Durham within the County Championship earlier than the beginning of worldwide summer season. He had additionally opted out of the Indian Premier League (IPL) simply earlier than the public sale as a consequence of his knee harm.
“I’m working hard and focusing on building my bowling fitness back up to fulfil 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. 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,” Stokes mentioned.
England are drawn in Group B within the T20 World Cup alongside Australia, Scotland, Namibia and Oman. They will start their title defence in opposition to Scotland on June 4 on the Kensington Oval in Barbados after which will face the arch-rivals Australia on June 8 on the similar venue.
