Ben Stokes fit to play in the 2nd ODI of the South Africa series

England are currently playing a three-match series against South Africa and are one match down already after registering a 72-run win. With this win, England have now nailed their last seven limited-overs games, but they still need to maintain the form that they are in for the all-important Champions Trophy.

If they can whitewash South Africa in the on-going series, they will go into the prestigious 50-overs tournament brimming with confidence. The good news for England came from their all-important allrounder, who is not passed fit to play in the Southampton game. Ben Stokes injured his knee in the first match but was seen training with the rest of the team on Friday.

Woody troubles

For Jason Roy, a resurgence in form before the Champions Trophy is very important as the batsman has only a solitary 50 in his last 11 innings. Mark Wood also needs to do something different after his six overs cost 49 runs in the first match. Besides these two issues, England are ready to reign.

Stokes enjoyed a hugely successful debut season in the lucrative Indian Premier League, where he also won the most valuable player of the year award. And he credited his success in the tournament to Rising Pune Supergiant captain Steve Smith.

“I felt like my game has got a lot better, from being able to work with the best players around the world and specialist coaches in that format,” Stokes told British media during his preparations for Champions Trophy.

He also spoke about how sweet it was of Smith to help him, for they will be the greatest competitors when the Ashes comes knocking.

“I remember doing a batting session with Steve Smith, with some power-hitting towards the end. The guy I’ll actually be playing against in the Ashes was helping me, something you’d never fathom when we’re playing against each other. The IPL is probably the only place where you would get that.”