NEW DELHI: In an attempt to be fit for the Test series in India that will start in January next year, England captain Ben Stokes had a successful procedure done on his left knee.
The 32-year-old renowned all-rounder's physique could not handle the demands of bowling, thus he was limited to playing as a batter at the recent World Cup in India. He was also unable to bowl in the final three Ashes Tests against Australia this year.
He had declared earlier in the month that following the World Cup, he will have surgery.
"In and out. Under the (knife emoji) done. Rehab starts now," Stokes wrote on his social media handles with a picture of himself on crutches outside London's Cromwell Hospital.
India's five-match Test series kicks off in Hyderabad on January 25. Two weeks prior to arriving in India, the England team is anticipated to depart for a warm-up camp in the United Arab Emirates.
In order to manage his workload and fitness, Stokes said last week that he would not be available for the 2024 Indian Premier League. The T20 World Cup is slated for June 2024.
The most expensive acquisition made by the Chennai Super Kings for the 2023 IPL, Stokes only appeared in two games because of injury.
(With PTI inputs)
