Why Ben Stokes is not playing ODI World Cup 2023 match against New Zealand?

The time is finally here. The season opener of the ODI World Cup 2023 sees England take on New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on October 5. However, right at the start, England have been hit with a major setback ahead of the first game, as it was informed by skipper Jos Buttler that star all-rounder Ben Stokes will be missing the clash against New Zealand due to a minor niggle.

“We would have looked to bowl first. We had a good series against New Zealand, and everyone seems to be a in really good place. Ben is going to miss this game. He has a niggle,” Jos Buttler said after the toss.

Kane Williamson, Lockie Ferguson, Ish Sodhi also missing ODI World Cup 2023 opener 

Apart from England's Stokes, New Zealand also turned up for the World Cup opener with several of their star players missing. Veteran batter Kane Williamson was already set to miss the first game while it was informed by Latham at the toss that Lockie Ferguson is unavailable due to a minor niggle, alongside spinner Ish Sodhi and pacer Tim Southee.

“Looks a reasonably good surface and hopefully we give us a chance with the bat later on. Guys have been in different parts of the world and got together here a week ago. Any competition you play in the lead-up to the World Cup is important. Kane is not quite ready yet and is progressing nicely. Ferguson has a bit of a niggle and misses out along with Sodhi, Kane and Tim Southee,” Latham said after the toss. 

Also check: ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 Teams & Squads

As both sides take centre stage at the Narendra Modi Stadium, it could be interesting to see which side comes out on top as they look to get off to a positive start to the ODI World Cup 2023.