ICC World Cup 2023: Stokes must play if he is fit, says Atherton

Ben Stokes during a practice session yesterday. Pic/PTI

Former England captain Michael Atherton believes talismanic all-rounder Ben Stokes has to play in Saturday's match against South Africa at the Wankhede Stadium if he's fit to take the field.

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Stokes, the Test skipper, has come out of ODI retirement to help England defend the ODI World Cup title they won in 2019 on home soil. But he is yet to make an appearance due to a hip injury as England won against Bangladesh, but lost to New Zealand and Afghanistan.

"Our understanding was that Stokes was very close to fitness for the Afghanistan game but that England were being understandably cautious. He now has to play against South Africa if he is fit. He is right that he is not the messiah, he can't just turn it around himself, but he is a very big presence and England are a better team with him in it. The last time he played in ODI cricket, he got England's highest score [182 against New Zealand at The Oval last month]," said Atherton.

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