England started the title defense of their ODI World champs crown in the World Cup 2023 without their hero from the 2019 World Cup final: Ben Stokes. The all-rounder had suffered a hip niggle on the eve of the game
England took the field against New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium without Ben Stokes. They missed Stokes’ experience in the middle-order. His position was taken by the inexperienced, but highly talented Harry Brook.
Brook played the Brook way and cracked his first 25 runs in only 15 balls, slamming four fours and then a six to left-arm orthodox spinner Rachin Ravindra. However, Rachin had the last laugh as he got out Brook with the young batter attempting another big slog. He top-edged it and handed the catch to Devon Conway in the deep on the leg-side.
Harry Brook had his head towards the sky in disappointment as he realized perhaps the ball wasn’t that short for another pull. Interestingly, Ben Stokes, who was sitting in the dugout, also had a similar reaction seeing the youngster not being able to capitalize his start today.
This reaction of Ben Stokes to Brook’s dismissal went viral in quick time.
Watch the video here:
— Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka (@Hanji_CricDekho) October 5, 2023
It was reported on the eve of the game that Stokes, who had smashed 182 last month against New Zealand at home, is unlikely to play today.
“He’s got a slight niggle with his hip,” Buttler said when asked about Stokes. “But fingers crossed that it’ll be good news for us. We’ll see. He’s working hard with the physios, and we’ll know more when the guys arrive for training today.
“We’ll make the right call. If he’s not fit to play, he’s not fit to play. If he is, we can make that decision. It’s not the time to take big risks on someone at the start of the tournament. Nearer the end, maybe you do take more of a risk with people’s injuries, but it’s going to be a long tournament.”
Meanwhile, talking about the match, at the time of writing, England are 263/9 in 48 overs with Joe Root having guided them with his 77.
