Ben Stokes has injection on injured knee ahead of Indian Premier League as he manages Ashes fitness worries
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Published 28/03/2023 at 15:13 GMT
England's Ben Stokes had a cortisone injection on a knee injury picked up during the recent test in New Zealand. Stokes departs for the Indian Premier League, having signed for Chennai Super Kings for the season. He is is set to start the tournament as a specialist batter as he manages his fitness ahead of this summer's Ashes series against Australia.
Ben Stokes of England looks on looks on during day three of the Second Test Match between New Zealand and England at Basin Reserve on February 26, 2023 in Wellington, New Zealand. (Photo by Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images)
Image credit: Getty Images
Ben Stokes has had a cortisone injection in his left knee ahead of departing for the Indian Premier League.
The England test captain has been struggling with knee trouble since the recent tour of New Zealand and according to PA, underwent a scan on his return.
They report that while nothing concerning came back in the results, it was decided an injection would be given to help him manage ongoing discomfort in the joint.
"I’m not going to lie, it’s incredibly frustrating knowing something has been holding me back from performing as I’d like to,” Stokes said following the conclusion of the drawn two-test series.
Stokes was signed by Chennai Super Kings for a bumper £1.6million in December and looks set to start as a specialist batter in the IPL, according the franchise’s batting coach, Mike Hussey.
"He's ready to go as a batsman from the start, the bowling might be wait and see. I know he had his first very light bowl this week since he had his injections in his knee," said the Australian.
"My understanding is he won't be bowling much at all in the first few games of the tournament, or it might be a few weeks. Hopefully we'll get him bowling at some stage in the tournament."
Hussey, who won 79 Test caps for Australia, joked that he plans to work Stokes extra hard to hinder his chances of performing for England during this summer’s latest Ashes series.
“From an Australian perspective I’m going to hope he bowls 20 or 30 overs in nets. We’ll be running him into the ground and I’ll be making sure he does extra weight sessions and run throughs to put pressure on that body.
“I’m joking obviously! I want a fit Ben Stokes playing his best cricket at the Ashes. I want both teams at their best, going hard at it and I think it will be an unbelievable series to watch.
“He’s going to be huge for us (at Chennai) too, particularly if we can get him bowling. Having those all-rounders is really important. He’s only had a couple of net sessions and looks to be hitting the ball really well. That’s really exciting.
England head coach Brendan McCullum has previously stated he doesn’t have any issue with Stokes’ participation in the IPL, given England’s latest Ashes showdown.
"I don't think he's jeopardising it," McCullum said. "The Chennai set-up is excellent in looking after their players and they've a very good medical team and he will be well looked after. The skipper has a strong mind and he knows how to get right for the big moments. His life is that, right? So I don't have any concerns.
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