Cricket World Cup 2023: Egland Cannot Just Rely On ‘Messiah’ Ben Stokes Says Mark Wood

• England cannot just rely on ‘messiah’ Ben Stokes – Mark Wood.

England cannot rely on “messiah” Ben Stokes and other players must “stand up”, says fast bowler Mark Wood.

England were thrashed by nine wickets by New Zealand in the opening match of the World Cup on Thursday.

Stokes has a history of rescuing England, no more so than in their victory in the 2019 final, but missed the match because of a hip injury.

“I don’t want to put too much pressure on him,” said Wood, one the England bowlers who struggled in Ahmedabad.

“He’s not Superman. It’s not all just about the messiah Stokesy coming back and him doing everything.

“He’s obviously one of our best players, if not our best player, but all the lads have to stand up as well.”

Rather than playing his full part as an all-rounder, Stokes – England’s Test captain – is only in India as a batter because of his ongoing knee injury.

Captain Jos Buttler described Stokes’ hip issue as a “slight niggle” and it is hoped he will be able to feature later in the tournament.

“He’s got strapping round his leg, which is helping,” Wood said.

“He’ll have to get in the nets and see if the strapping does its job and allows him to move how he wants.”

Against New Zealand, the defending champions struggled to 282-9 in their 50 overs before their total was chased with remarkable ease in 36.2 overs – Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra hitting stunning unbeaten centuries.

Wood’s five overs cost 55 runs, Chris Woakes returned figures of 0-45 in six overs while Liam Livingstone’s spin went for 24 in three wicketless overs.

Only Sam Curran, who had Will Young caught behind down the leg side with his first delivery, took a wicket.

“New Zealand played really well,” said Wood.

“We were a bit off and they played really well. It’s as simple as that.”

England’s next match is against Bangladesh in Dharamshala on Tuesday.

In the 2019 World Cup they lost three times in the group stage but won crucial matches against India and New Zealand to reach the semi-finals.

Wood said they will draw on that experience throughout this year’s tournament.

“A great trait of the group is that sort of resilience and bouncing back and calmness,” he added.

“I trust every member in there, they’ve been through bad times and good times.

“We know that we can do it.”