CT 2017: Ben Stokes will play even if he is not fit to bowl, says Eoin Morgan

The English skipper Eoin Morgan looked a very happy man after his team registered a 2-1 win in the 3-match ODI series against South Africa. The team failed to make it a perfect finish as they lost the final ODI at the Lord’s. In the game, the team decided to rest their star all-rounder Ben Stokes. Stokes had been complaining of a sore knee in the series after the second game.

He was phenomenal in the 2nd ODI at Southampton where he had mustered a quick 101 to guide England to 330/6 in their innings. However, in the bowling department, he was seen struggling. The sights were not pleasing for the English camp since he is an integral part of the team. With the Champions Trophy round the corner, the team management deemed it appropriate to rest Ben Stokes for the game.

After the match, Nasser Hussain caught up with the English skipper Eoin Morgan and spoke at length about the recovery of Stokes. Morgan noted that resting Stokes was a precautionary measure taken by the team. “Ben Stokes was rested today, just to have another day off his feet,” he quoted.

Playing as a batsman

When asked if the team will play Stokes as a pure batsman and for his fielding credentials if the bowling does not click well, Morgan noted in positive. He mentioned that if the team wishes to win the Champions Trophy, then Stokes has a real role to play in the tournament. Morgan looked optimistic about Stokes returning back to fitness by Thursday.

“Absolutely, he is the guy that we really need in the team and if we are going to win the Champions Trophy or be real contenders, he will be a huge part of the team. We are anticipating he will be 100 per cent fit for Thursday,” quoted Morgan.

He also added that there are no more injury concerns. Chris Woakes has been recovering well and the team will go into the mega event with full fitness. England will play their first match of the tournament on June 1 in the tournament opener against Bangladesh.