Cricket World Cup 2023: When will Ben Stokes play for England?

Star all-rounder Ben Stokes has not yet featured in the ongoing ODI World Cup. The England talisman was called out of retirement for the quadrennial tournament in India, but is yet to take the field. 

England have felt the absence of Ben Stokes, who has been sidelined due to a hip injury. The defending champions have had an unpleasant start to their title defence, with only two points from three games. England currently sit fifth on the points table, and are out of the qualifying places. 

After losing to New Zealand in the World Cup opener, England faced the upset of the tournament so far at the hands of minnows Afghanistan in Delhi. They have now lost two games out of three and are badly in need of some inspiration.

And Ben Stokes might be the player to provide that. After the defeat, the England skipper provided a valuable update on the return of Ben Stokes to media outlet Sky Sports.

When will Ben Stokes return to action for England?

England fans would have been relieved when captain Jos Buttler stated that Stokes had been working hard, and is nearing a return. He "just wasn't quite fit" to make the cut ahead of the clash against Afghanistan.

"He (Stokes) has been working hard, but just wasn't quite fit for today", Buttler provided an update on Ben Stokes. 

Will Stokes play for England against South Africa?

After securing a solitary win in their opening three games, the defending champions will face South Africa in their fourth game of the tournament. The two giants will lock horns at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on October 21, 2023. 

Jos Buttler & Co. will have a six-day break before they take the centerstage in Mumbai on Saturday.

Who will win the 2023 World Cup?

India, England and South Africa are among the top five favourites for the 2023 World Cup title. The odds from Dafabet are as follows:

Think you know who will win the 2023 Cricket World Cup?Place your bets here with Dafabet!