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Ben Stokes an injury doubt for England's Cricket World Cup opener, says captain Jos Buttler

Ben Stokes has not played since smashing 182 against New Zealand on September 13; Watch England face New Zealand in the opening match of the Cricket World Cup on Thursday, live on Sky Sports Cricket from 9am (first ball, 9.30am)

Wednesday 4 October 2023 12:46, UK

Ben Stokes, ODI cricket (PA Images)
Image: Ben Stokes last played for England on September 13, missing the warm-up win against Bangladesh on Monday

Ben Stokes has emerged as an injury doubt for England's World Cup curtain-raiser against New Zealand on Thursday.

Stokes, who has been suffering from long-term knee issues, came out of ODI retirement to rejoin the side for their defence of the 2019 title but may be forced to miss the first game of the tournament with a hip complaint.

Captain Jos Buttler played things down on the eve of the game at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium, but admitted there would be no gambling with Stokes' fitness given his vital importance in the middle order.

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Watch each of Ben Stokes' nine sixes as he smashed an England-record 182 from 124 balls in the third ODI against New Zealand

Stokes has not played since smashing 182 against the Black Caps on September 13 and was the only squad member to play no part in the warm-up victory over Bangladesh.

"He's got a slight sort of niggle in his hip, fingers crossed it will be good news for us," said Buttler.

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Highlights from the Cricket World Cup warm-up match between Bangladesh and England in Guwahati as Jos Buttler's side won by four wickets on DLS.

"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.

"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."

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We head back to the World Cup in 2019 where England beat New Zealand Lord's in hugely dramatic Super Over finish!

England were crowned World Cup champions in 2019 after getting the better of New Zealand in a pulsating final at Lord's that went all the way down to a Super Over.

Stokes was named Player of the Match after hitting 84 not out in England's chase of New Zealand's 241, while he and Jos Buttler then score 15 from said Super Over.

Watch the 2023 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup live on Sky Sports between Thursday October 5 and Sunday November 19. You can stream the tournament on NOW for £21 a month for six months. Cancel anytime.

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