England's Test cricket captain, Ben Stokes, recently underwent knee surgery to address a persistent injury that has limited his all-round capabilities. The 32-year-old faces a tight timeline for recovery ahead of the five-Test series against India, set to commence on January 25 in Hyderabad. Stokes expressed his commitment to rehabilitation, stating, "rehab starts now," after the operation.
Sharing an image on crutches from London's Cromwell Hospital, Stokes emphasized the urgency of the procedure. He now aims to regain fitness for the upcoming series in India, where he hopes to contribute as both a batsman and a bowler. Despite his impactful performances in the recent Cricket World Cup, Stokes was primarily utilized as a batter due to the knee issue. His notable contributions included a century and two half-centuries.
Earlier in the summer, Stokes had discussed having a plan to manage the longstanding knee problem. However, the surgery was delayed to accommodate his participation in the World Cup. The decision to undergo the procedure was made towards the end of the tournament, leading to his absence from the ODI and T20 series against the West Indies. While he bowled limited overs during the Ashes Tests against Australia, Stokes couldn't play a significant role with the ball in subsequent matches.
A successful recovery would be crucial for England, addressing the void left by Stuart Broad's retirement. Stokes, on the verge of reaching 200 Test wickets from 97 matches with an average of 32.07, plays a pivotal role in the team's balance. Recently opting out of the Indian Premier League, he is prioritizing national team commitments, including home Test series against the West Indies and Sri Lanka, along with a busy limited-overs schedule.
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