“I want to be playing as an all rounder next summer,” Stokes could miss the Anthony de Mello trophy due to surgery

Stokes could undergo knee surgery after the 2023 ODI World Cup.

Ben Stokes after his iconic knock in the 2019 Ashes (Image via ICC)

On Thursday, Ben Stokes confirmed that his aim is to play the 2023 ODI World Cup and then heal his recurring knee injury. Stokes has faced a lot of problems in the past year, missing out a huge chunk of the 2023 IPL and not bowling in 3 games of the 2023 Ashes.

Stokes came out of his retirement in ODIs to play the 2023 ODI World Cup for England, with him most probably going to feature as a batsman, instead of his usual role as an all-rounder. Due to his chronic knee injury, he had not bowled much in 2023.

While speaking to the press Ben Stokes said he has a plan to be back as an all rounder. He said his main aim is to play the 2023 ODI World Cup. He said, “I want to be playing next summer as a genuine all-rounder. This winter is all about playing this World Cup, then getting this knee sorted.” There were reports he might have the surgery after the 2024 England tour India, also know as The Anthony de Mello trophy. That would have seen him out of the 2024 IPL as well.

Stokes could miss first India tour as Captain due to knee surgery

Q 1694182063 — Stokes after winning the 2019 ODI World Cup (Image via ICC)

If Ben Stokes does decide to undergo surgery after the 2023 ODI World Cup for knee, there’s the possibility that he might miss Anthony de Mello Trophy in early 2024. The Test series would start on 25th January, 2024. The Test series would see England playing their new style of Bazball for the first time in India, where it has been difficult to bat for a lot of away teams.

If England manage to reach the ODI World Finals, which would be on 19th November, there would be just a 2 month gap between the Finals and the first Test. Most knee surgery usually takes 2-3 months to fully recover and for the player to be match fit.

If Stokes doesn’t recover in time, there would be a great chance he could miss the start of the series. In the 14 times England has toured India, they have won only 3 series.