“Never leave my team-mates hanging like that”: Ben Stokes on leaving early for knee surgery after England poor World Cup 2023.
Ben Stokes made a selfless decision to remain in India instead of returning home early for knee surgery, demonstrating his commitment to his team and England’s appreciation for his presence in the match against the Netherlands.
Stokes had the option to cut short his participation in the World Cup to undergo an operation on his left knee, potentially increasing his chances of being fully fit for the upcoming Test series in January. However, he chose to stay and contribute to England’s pursuit of a Champions Trophy spot.
In a match against the Netherlands, Stokes played a vital role, scoring 108 runs from 84 balls. Ben Stokes after the match said “Never leave early. Never take the easy way out. Never leave my team-mates hanging like that.”
The decision to keep Stokes in the tournament didn’t yield the desired results for either party. Nevertheless, his dedication and determination were evident. Stokes probably never envisioned scoring his first World Cup century in a match against the Netherlands, which was essentially a dead rubber. Despite the challenging circumstances, both Stokes and England were grateful for any glimmer of positivity after a difficult journey.