NEW DELHI: England's star all-rounder Ben Stokes announced on Friday that he plans to undergo knee surgery after the World Cup. He is aiming to recover in time for the Test series in India scheduled for January.
Due to a persisting knee issue, the 32-year-old has been unable to bowl and was chosen solely as a specialist batsman for the World Cup squad.
Struggling with his form, the left-handed batsman has accumulated a mere 48 runs across three appearances for the defending champions. With five losses in six matches, England's chances in the tournament hang by a thread.
"I'll be fine for the Test Series in India. I am having surgery after the World Cup," the all-rounder told reporters with an eye on the first match of a five-Test series against India on January 25.
Stokes hasn't bowled for England in more than a year, but he said it was one job less at the World Cup.
"Over the last 18 months, it's been 'will I, won't I', whereas actually this World Cup I've not had to worry about that," said Stokes.
"It's probably the first time since I've had this knee issue where it's been quite clear that I'm not going to be bowling."
Meanwhile, England Test captain Stokes attempted to shrug off health concerns after he was spotted using an inhaler in the south Indian city of Bengaluru last week.
Stokes said he uses the device for his asthma, which sometimes is aggravated by travel.
"I've actually got exercise-induced asthma. But sometimes it happens when you go to a new city in India where the air is slightly different. That could be a reason for it," he said.
"Bangalore when we actually turned up just felt a lot fresher, but doing the running that I was doing does bring it on a lot easier than normal. So, that could be a reason for it."
The Board of Control for Cricket in India has banned fireworks at games in Mumbai and Delhi due to pollution hitting severe levels in the big urban centres.
(With AFP inputs)
