Ben Stokes is a cricketer who plays for the England national team. He suffered a hip injury on the eve of the Cricket World Cup 2023, which caused him to miss the opening match against New Zealand. He has been battling long-term issues with a troublesome knee but reconsidered his retirement from ODIs to be selected as a specialist batter for Englands World Cup campaign in India. Stokes missed the defending champions opening nine-wicket thumping at the hands of New Zealand in Ahmedabad on Thursday. He continues to be sidelined from the England starting lineup as he misses his third consecutive game in the World Cup 2023 campaign against Afghanistan on Sunday in Delhi. Despite this setback, there were positive signs of his recovery ahead of Englands match against Afghanistan. Michael Atherton says Stokes is very close to full fitness.