English Captain Stokes to feature in IPL, Ashes despite Knee Injury against New Zealand

England and New Zealand might just have battled out one of the famous test matches in the recent history. After being enforced to follow-on, New Zealand was faced with an uphill task of defending a “low” score of 258, the “low” signifying the might of this English team.

With outstanding hitters of the ball like Harry Brook, Ben Stokes, Joe Root, 258 is a mere target for them. But, thanks to Tim Southee and his brigade, the Kiwis scripted a memorable victory by one run, with Neil Wagner putting the final nail in the coffin of the British, thus reducing the “Baz-ball supremacy” by a bit.

But, it seems that the Englishmen might have further things to worry about as their star all-rounder and skipper, Ben Stokes was visibly in discomfort as he was struggling to bowl and field during the match. Not only this, while batting he was looking lean and bowled just two overs while bowling.

Eager to lead the side in the most anticipated Ashes

Although the injury in the left knee seems of concern, but the Coach-Captain duo has insisted that he will be fit before the Ashes series.

“Stokesy’s knee is just something we have to monitor. He’s off to the IPL where there is slightly less demand on his conditioning so hopefully he’ll be fine. He’s a tough bloke, he’ll find a way to get through and I know he’s determined to lead this team to Ashes glory as well. We look forward to it.” McCullum assured BBC Sport.

Stokes admits that this injury was holding him back

We’ve got three, four months before we get to the Ashes,” he said. “We’re working incredibly hard with our physios and medics to get everything strength-wise around it.

“But it’s very difficult, out here especially, to get those things in because once the Tests start they come thick and fast. It’s a good opportunity out in India now to get myself in a position where I don’t have to worry about my knee anymore”, the English prolific all rounder was heard saying.