England Test captain Ben Stokes has opted not to make himself available for selection for this summer’s T20 World Cup.
The Durham all-rounder has suffered from persistent injuries over recent years – undergoing an operation prior to January’s Test tour of India in a bid to finally cure a long-standing knee problem – and has decided he needs to focus on his fitness rather than playing in the tournament in the West Indies and United States in June.
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England face Test series against the Windies and Sri Lanka this summer with Stokes’ focus on being able to bowl once again at full tilt.
He said: “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.
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“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 (Buttler), Motty (Matthew Mott) and all the team the best of luck in defending our title.”
T20 World Cup ❌
Ben Stokes will play no part in this summer’s tournament 🏆
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) APRIL 2, 2024
Stokes was restricted to just five overs of bowling in the recent series in India, which England lost 4-1. He also decided not to play the lucrative IPL in a bid to manage his fitness.
His absence will be major blow for captain Buttler and coach Mott who would have earmarked Stokes for a key role in the middle-order due to his explosive hitting.
Defending champions England open their campaign against Scotland in Barbados on June 4 before taking on Australia, Oman and Namibia in the initial group phase.
