Ben Stokes takes incredible catch in IPL but will be rested by England in World Cup build-up
BEN STOKES has shown England management what they’ll be missing after taking an incredible catch in the IPL – after it was announced he will be rested in the build-up to the World Cup.
Team chiefs are worried he and Jos Buttler, also being rested, could be fatigued even before the tournament starts against South Africa on May 30.
Ben Stokes
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It means Stokes and Buttler will not fly to Dublin for England’s opening warm-up game against Ireland on May 3.
They must return from their stint with Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League by April 25 and then attend a three-day fitness camp in Cardiff.
But they will not be required to play in Ireland and are also likely to miss England’s one-off Twenty20 match against Pakistan in Cardiff on May 5.
Wicketkeeper Buttler’s wife is due to give birth to their first child around that time so he could miss more matches.
BACK FOR PAKISTAN
All-rounder Stokes’ preparation for the World Cup will begin with the first of England’s five 50-over games against Pakistan at the Oval on May 8.
Meanwhile, the Root brothers were six runs short of twin centuries in the County Championship.
Left-hander Billy scored his first century for Glamorgan since his winter move from Notts while Test captain Joe made 93 against Hampshire at Southampton.
Joe’s innings followed scores of 73 and 130 not out against Notts in the first round of matches.
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Ex-England batsman Gary Ballance shared a third-wicket stand of 182 with Root and made his second hundred on the trot.
Veteran Worcestershire opener and PCA chairman Daryl Mitchell scored 114 against Leicestershire as he attempts to push for an England debut at the age of 35 in this summer’s Ashes.
Elsewhere, Newcastle-born coach Richard Pybus, who masterminded West Indies’ 2-1 Test series win over England earlier this year, has been sacked and replaced by Floyd Reifer as the Windies bring in a policy of hiring home-grown talent.
