NZ v ENG 2019: Ben Stokes unlikely to bowl further in Hamilton Test due to knee issues

The all-rounder underwent surgery on left knee in 2016.

Stokes reported pain in his left knee in Hamilton | Getty Images

England all-rounder Ben Stokes may not bowl further in the ongoing Hamilton Test against New Zealand after experiencing a recurrence of his knee problem on the opening day of the second and final Test at the Seddon Park on Friday, November 29.

While the Black Caps have made a good start in Hamilton, putting 173 runs for the loss of three wickets, the visitors have shown to bounce back in the series decider, but the problems continue to trouble them, as they might lose Stokes from bowling here after missing Jos Buttler due to injury.

After Stokes reported pain in his left knee having completed his second over on Day 1, there's doubt over whether the all-rounder can bowl for the rest of the match in Hamilton.

Read Also: Ben Stokes comes out in support of under-fire captain Joe Root

Stokes looked in discomfort after delivering the final ball of his second over, holding his knee and pulled up, while was seen uncomfortable for the entire duration of his two-over spell in Hamilton.

However, the 28-year-old didn’t leave the field, but the England team management said they will take the decision over whether he would bowl again in the first innings after assessing the injury.

England said in a statement on Friday, “Ben has some pain in his left knee and will be assessed on whether he can bowl during the rest of this innings. He felt some discomfort at the end of his second over earlier today.”

Noteworthy, Stokes’ left knee has been troubling him for a long time, as the all-rounder underwent surgery in May 2016 after tearing cartilage while during the Sri Lanka series and even before New Zealand series, admitted that he was still managing it.

(With Cricbuzz Inputs)

 
 

By Rashmi Nanda - 29 Nov, 2019

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