ENG vs NZ: Why Ben Stokes Isn't Playing ODI World Cup 2023 Opener In Ahmedabad

England star Ben Stokes has been ruled out of the opening match of ICC Men's ODI World Cup 2023 between England and New Zealand after failing to overcome a hip injury in time.

Ben Stokes has been ruled out of ENG vs NZ ODI World Cup 2023 match in Ahmedabad.

Source : Getty Images

ENG vs NZ ODI World Cup 2023: England cricket team's world cup hero Ben Stokes is important for England's ODI World Cup plans. Unfortunately, the all-rounder won't take part in ODI World Cup 2023 tournament opener between England and New Zealand on Thursday (October 5). As per reported by ICC, Stokes has been ruled out of the opening match of ICC Men's ODI World Cup 2023 after failing to overcome a hip injury in time. Stokes' incredible batting heroics in controversy-hit 2019 World Cup final led England to a maiden ODI World Cup victory but now the all-rounder will miss the much-anticipated rematch against New Zealand.

Stokes was only player from England cricket team who earlier didn't participate in their warm-up match against Bangladesh. It was assumed that he would straightaway feature in the main event against New Zealand, today, but that didn't happen as he is yet to fully recover from his hip injury.

"Ben is going to miss this game. He has a niggle. The guys missing out: Atkinson, Topley, Willey and Stokes," captain Jos Buttler said at the toss.

Injury concerns for New Zealand

Just like their opponents, New Zealand's too will begin their campaign in ICC Men's ODI World Cup 2023 without key players, as their two star players, captain Kane Williamson and premier pacer Tim Southee, aren't playing ODI World Cup 2023 tournament opener in Ahmedabad.

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson, who recently recovered from a torn anterior cruciate ligament in April, will initially focus on his batting and building his fitness. Consequently, he will sit out the ENG vs NZ ODI World Cup 2023 match, today. In absence of their two key players, the Kiwis will be aiming to make the best of their available resources.

England (Playing XI): Jonny Bairstow, Dawid Malan, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler(w/c), Liam Livingstone, Moeen Ali, Sam Curran, Chris Woakes, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood

New Zealand (Playing XI): Devon Conway, Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham(w/c), Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Matt Henry, Mitchell Santner, James Neesham, Trent Boult