Ben Stokes fit for CT 2017 opener; suspense over bowling continues

As the English team gears up to take on Bangladesh in the opening encounter of the Champions Trophy 2017, they have pleasant news coming in. Allrounder Ben Stokes whose availability remained uncertain due to the knee injury has recovered ahead of the game and will certainly be fit enough to feature in the starting XI.

That guarantees England a dashing batsman in the middle order but Stokes’ the bowler who is equally effective and important for the team will be able to contribute or not is yet to be known. He has been cleared for participation in the game but the number of overs that he can bowl will be determined based on the result of his fitness test scheduled for the morning of the match.

English skipper Eoin Morgan received two green signals from the team management as pacer Chris Woakes who had missed two ODIs against the touring South African team leading into the Champions Trophy also looks fine and will be available for selection.

Stokes bowled in the nets

“Ben Stokes has had a little bowl today. We will see how he pulls up tomorrow to see how much he will bowl but I certainly see him bowling,” Morgan said while talking to the media on the eve of the match.

“Chris Woakes is 100 per cent fit. He’s come through the last two or three days really well,” he added.

This means Jonny Bairstow cannot hold onto his spot in the XI despite being the top scorer in the last ODI where England were bundled out for 153 after kneeling down at 20/6.

Jason Roy has been in the thin of form but a lot of former English cricketers have asked the team management to be patient with him and back the right-hander to come good.

“The decision will remain the same throughout the tournament. Jason Roy is part of a strong opening partnership with Alex Hales. He will definitely play,” said Morgan.

“Jonny Bairstow will miss out unfortunately. It’s been the case like that for the last couple of years. He’s been very good when he’s come in.

“Each of us in the batting department has had our ups and downs over the years and one of the strongest parts of reinforcing the way we play and the freedom we play with is backing that up with selection,” he concluded.