Ben Stokes Unlikely for England’s Second World Cup Game

England’s star player, Ben Stokes, is facing uncertainty for England’s second World Cup game against Bangladesh in Dharamsala on Tuesday due to a sore left hip.Stokes has been in the nets twice since England’s arrival in Dharamsala, showing improved movement while facing spinners on Monday morning. However, doubts persist about his availability for Tuesday’s match, with England’s next fixture against Afghanistan in Delhi offering a potential comeback opportunity.England’s captain, Jos Buttler, mentioned that Stokes is making progress and appears to be improving each day. Still, he clarified in his pre-match press conference that it’s unlikely Stokes will play on Tuesday.

Initially planning to rest his knee for two months, Stokes changed his mind in August, driven by the inspiring prospect of participating in and potentially winning back-to-back World Cups.In Stokes’ absence, Harry Brook took on the No. 4 position against New Zealand, scoring 25 runs off 15 balls. He is expected to continue in the same role on Tuesday, facing a challenge from Bangladesh’s spinners.

Tuesday’s match will be played on a fresh pitch, different from the slow surface where Bangladesh beat Afghanistan. England is contemplating the inclusion of an extra seamer, with Reece Topley as a likely choice, possibly at the expense of Moeen Ali. Buttler emphasized that the decision would depend on pitch conditions and team balance.