Ben Stokes' injury poses serious threat to England ahead of the Champions Trophy

Ben Stokes, who had to leave the IPL midway to attend international duties, has incurred an injury to his left knee during his side’s 72-run victory over the Proteas at Headingley. Stokes was seen limping off the pitch, giving England with an injury scare less than a week prior to the start of the mini World Cup.

However, the all-rounder made his way back to the pitch to complete the match but didn’t bowl anymore. And he looked in serious discomfort while walking off at the end. The injury has now put Stokes is in doubt for the second ODI against South Africa in Southampton on Saturday. The all-rounder forms an integral cog of the squad who helps maintain the balance of the team with his clinical performances.

Brings balance to the team

Thus, if Stokes plays, it gives the Three Lions an option of picking left-hander Moeen Ali. Ali was even left out of the squad when all-rounder was missing against Ireland last month due to IPL.

As quoted by Espncricinfo, talking about Stokes, Ali said, “It’s nice to be back in the side and to have Stokesy back helps me play as well. I was told by Morgy it was about the balance of the team, and especially against Ireland when [Adil Rashid] bowls a lot more variation and he felt he was going to bowl well against them. I’m fine with it and it’s one of those things. You just get on with it.”

If Stokes does not make a timely recovery, it could lead England to replace him with Jonny Bairstow in the middle order and opt for an extra seamer in either David Willey or Jake Ball. Also, skipper Eoin Morgan has revealed that he would like to pick his strongest team for the remaining two matches against South Africa but Stokes is so integral to their plans there would be no point in risking him for their next fixture at the Ageas Bowl.