Stokes mentioned that he has a “good plan” in progress for his troubled knee, but currently, it’s not the appropriate moment to disclose it.
He stated, “I know what’s going to happen, I just don’t think now is the right time to reveal what I’m doing. There’s actually quite a long time off after the World Cup.”
Stokes, who didn’t bowl in the last three Ashes Tests, continued, “I’ve been having some good conversations with some specialists. There is a plan in place. When we do what we need to do to give myself a chance of getting back to being a genuine all-rounder, there will be a time when I can announce my plans. It’s reassuring to know that after the World Cup, we’ve got a solid plan we can implement. I want to be playing next summer as a genuine all-rounder. This winter is all about playing this World Cup and then addressing my knee issues.”
Stokes has approximately two months between the World Cup and the five-Test tour of India, but currently, his primary focus is on winning the World Cup. He said, “The nice thing was there wasn’t any pressure put on me to make a decision quickly. Having the opportunity to play in another World Cup is fantastic, but going there as world champions and attempting to defend our title is something that appealed to me.”
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Stokes explained that he had a candid conversation with Jos, stating, “I had to inform Jos that if you choose to select me, you have to make that decision based on the fact that I won’t be bowling.” He also emphasized that he was clear about his physical condition and what he believed he could contribute to the team.
He appreciated Jos’s quick decision, saying, “It was reassuring to know that even if I’m just there as a batter, he would pick me.”