ICC World Cup 2023: Ben Stokes likely to miss the opening match of World Cup 2023

Ben Stokes (Pic: File Pic)

The start of the ICC Men's ODI World Cup 2023 is just a few hours away. The opening match of the marquee event will be played in Narendra Modi Stadium in Gujarat, between defending champions England with 2019 World Cup runners-up New Zealand.

England's all-rounder Ben Stokes could miss the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup opener against New Zealand on Thursday.

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Stokes, who has been dealing with knee problems, rejoined the team to defend the 2019 World Cup title but he may miss the match due to a niggle in his hip.

On the eve of the game, English captain Jos Buttler said that they would not risk Stokes's fitness and accordingly would make a decision.

"He's got a slight sort of niggle in his hip, fingers crossed it will be good news for us. We'll make the right call. If he's not fit to play he's not fit to play and if he is we can make that decision," Buttler said as quoted by Sky Sports.

"You don't want to take big risks on someone at the start of the tournament, nearer the end you may need to take more of a risk," he further added.

Stokes hasn't played since September 13 when he hit 182 against the Black Caps. Stokes was rested in the warm-up match against Bangladesh.

The 2019 World Cup was won by England when they defeated New Zealand in a nail-biting finale at Lord's that went down to a Super Over.

Stokes was awarded 'Player of the Match' after scoring 15 in the Super Over while scoring 84 not out as England chased down New Zealand's 241 total.

(With Agency Inputs)