Cricket World Cup 2023: Ben Stokes Likely To Remain Out Amid Outfield Concerns

• Ben Stokes likely to remain out amid outfield concerns for England vs Bangladesh.

Ben Stokes is likely to remain on the sidelines for England’s World Cup match against Bangladesh on Tuesday.

Stokes, 32, missed England’s heavy defeat by New Zealand in the tournament opener on Thursday with a hip injury.

He had a gentle net – his first for 10 days because of the injury – and did some light running during training in Dharamshala on Sunday.

But he still looked uncomfortable and the poor outfield at the ground will also be a factor in any decision.

Afghanistan coach Jonathan Trott criticised the surface after spinner Mujeeb ur Rahman’s knee dug into the surface in an awkward slide during their defeat by Bangladesh on Saturday.

“We’re lucky Mujeeb hasn’t got a serious knee injury,” the former England batter said.

With its Himalayan backdrop, the stadium in Dharamshala is one of the most beautiful in the world but its outfield is becoming a regular issue.

In February, the third Test between India and Australia was moved from the same stadium to Indore because of concerns with the outfield.

The International Cricket Council’s head of events Chris Tetley and pitch consultant Andy Atkinson inspected the field along with groundstaff as part of a scheduled visit on Sunday.

There are bare, sandy patches throughout the playing area.

England barely trained on the surface, instead heading to the nets, and team management have discussed the issue.

It could lead to players being advised not to slide when chasing the ball to the boundary in an attempt to avoid injury.

An ICC spokesperson said: “The process for assessing the condition of the pitch and outfield lies with the match officials and the outfield at Dharamshala was rated as average after the Afghanistan v Bangladesh match.

“Additionally, the ICC independent pitch consultant has taken a look at the outfield today and is comfortable with the conditions as is Javagal Srinath, the match referee for the next game.”

Stokes’ injury issues – he was already only playing as a batter because of his chronic knee problem – means he could also be at greater risk, leaving England’s meeting with Afghanistan on Sunday a more likely target for a return.

England’s nine-wicket defeat by New Zealand has increased the pressure on Tuesday’s match against the Tigers.

The defending champions’ net run-rate means they sit bottom of the early standings, with the top four after the 10-team round robin stage progressing to the semi-finals.

England beat Bangladesh by four wickets in a warm-up game before the tournament.