Stokes to be rested for Bangladesh game

England all-rounder Ben Stokes' availability for the game against Bangladesh in the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 remains doubtful, according to English media.

Defending champions England take on Bangladesh in their second World Cup fixture in Dharamshala on Tuesday.

According to English media, the England team management is not willing to risk Stokes, who is still recovering from a knee injury. 

One of the major reasons for resting Stokes against Bangladesh is also the state of the outfield at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association stadium in Dharamshala which had raised concerns about the players' safety during Bangladesh's opening match against Afghanistan on Saturday. 

With the patchy outfield that had a flimsy layer of grass on it, players from both teams found it difficult to field. 

Afghanistan's Mujeeb Ur Rahman was lucky to escape without a serious injury after his left knee went into the sandy outfield when he put in a dive.

Afghanistan coach Jonathan Trott had raised concerns over the condition of the outfield after the game on Saturday and although he didn't want to blame the authorities he did mention that the players need to keep an eye while diving in that outfield to avoid injury. 

It was also learned that Trott had texted a few members of the English coaching staff regarding his concern over the Dharamshala outfield and the England team management will be wary when they take on Bangladesh in this venue. 

Jos Buttler's side will be gunning for their first victory of the World Cup 2023 after suffering a nine-wicket defeat at the hands of New Zealand in their opening game.