(Image Source: X)
[Saba Sports News] England’s campaign in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 hasn’t gone as planned, with three losses in their first four matches. They hope to turn things around in their upcoming clash with Sri Lanka at M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, on Thursday, October 26.
During practice, star all-rounder Ben Stokes caught attention by repeatedly using an inhaler, possibly indicating asthma. However, there’s been no official confirmation from Stokes or the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). Inhalers aren’t exclusively for asthma and can serve various purposes, including managing heavy breathing after intense exercise.
Additionally, Stokes may be using it for non-performance enhancing steroids, prescribed by a doctor for knee and hip injuries. Reports indicate that he had an extensive practice session in Bengaluru, involving batting, bowling, and fielding drills.
Stokes returned to the team in the previous game against South Africa after missing the first three matches. However, he had a modest performance, scoring just 5 runs and not bowling. Stokes came out of ODI retirement to support England’s title defense and was designated as a pure batter for the tournament.
With upcoming fixtures, Stokes aims to contribute significantly with the bat, particularly after his recent achievement of scoring 182 runs, the highest individual score by an England batter in ODIs against New Zealand at the Oval in September.