England Test skipper Ben Stokes has claimed that his fitness levels are the same as it was in 2019-20. Notably, he was injured during the IPL 2023. After playing the first two games for eventual winners, Chennai Super Kings, Stokes sustained a heel injury. He was ruled out of a few games, eventually leaving the tournament after the league stage.
Meanwhile, the two-time World Cup winner is now getting ready for a one-off Test and Ashes 2023 at home. Ahead of these games, it will be a challenge for the players, especially bowlers to manage their workload. Similarly, Stokes will also face the same challenge. The New Zealand-born has said that he has got himself into a position where he doesn’t have a regret.
“I’ve got myself into a position where I’m not able to look back and regret, or say I have not given myself the best opportunity to play a full role with the ball this summer,” Stokes said. “I have got myself into a place where I sort of feel like I am back in the 2019, 2020 space in terms of my own body and fitness.”
I have definitely myself the best opportunity: Ben Stokes
The all-rounder added that he has given himself the best opportunity to play the all-rounder role. However, he is also skeptical about how his body and mind would react to his workload during this and next month. He added that unless he cannot walk, he won’t play a game.
“I have definitely given myself the best opportunity, but the mind and the body are different things. But I’ve given myself the best chance.”
“Unless I can’t walk, I’ll be on the field,” Stokes said.
