Ben Stokes Set To Undergo Surgery Ahead Of India Test Series

image-loiejchaStokes hasn't fired in the 2023 World Cup. (AP)

Talismanic England cricketer Ben Stokes is set to undergo surgery after the conclusion of the ongoing ICC Men's Cricket World Cup as he seeks to recover from a persistent left knee injury. 

This issue has been plaguing the England Test captain for a minimum of 18 months, compelling him to take on a specialist batter role recently, as his body has been unable to handle the physical demands of bowling.

Speaking on the eve of England's match against Ashes rivals Australia in Ahmedabad, Stokes confirmed, 

     "I am having surgery after the World Cup. I will hopefully be fine for the Test series against India." 

Originally, Stokes had considered undergoing surgery after the Ashes series this summer, but instead, he reversed his ODI retirement decision to participate in England's title defense in India.

Pressed for further details, he humorously remarked, 

"When we go to those meetings we generally take a physio and doctor, and they start talking. I just turn up, go to sleep, wake up and hope it is better."

Stokes has been grappling with his knee issue over the past few years, yet he has chosen not to disclose the precise nature of the injury when questioned. This seam-bowling all-rounder hasn't bowled since July, specifically during day four of the second Ashes Test at Lord's.

He initially made a surprising return from his ODI international retirement to partake in England's World Cup title defense, expressing his confidence in having a "very good plan in place" to address the problem. However, the results haven't aligned with his expectations.

With England likely to exit the World Cup at the end of the group stage, it's probable that he will undergo surgery before the month concludes, aiming to recover in time for leading his side's Test tour of India in January.

Stokes will be seen in action tomorrow when England will take on Australia. England's abysmal campaign wraps up a week later against Pakistan on November 11.