Stokes facing 12 weeks on sidelines
BEN Stokes is set to miss a chunk of England’s summer schedule as he requires surgery on his fractured left index finger, sidelining him for up to 12 weeks.
The all-rounder suffered the injury while fielding for Rajasthan Royals in their Indian Premier League season opener against Punjab Kings earlier this week.
He is preparing to head back to
“We are still learning, still getting used to Watto and what he is trying to introduce into the side,” said Wood ahead of last night’s Super League game with Hull KR.
“I am just happy as long as I am playing and it is a bonus when we are winning.
“I have just been focussed on doing my individual job and getting that right.
“I know if I do that and I am playing at a seven or above each week I have a good chance of contributing to a winning side. This year has just been about getting an opportunity for me.
“Watto has trusted me and I want to repay that. We have had
a full pre-season with each other, he is familiar with what I have to offer, we have had a few conversations and he wants me to be involved quite a lot this year. the UK today and then have an operation 48 hours later before the start of a lengthy rehabilitation process.
Stokes is unlikely to be available until mid-July, meaning he will miss two Tests against New Zealand in June while he is doubtful for white-ball series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan.
The start of The Hundred – Stokes is signed to the Leedsbased Northern Superchargers,
“We have a lot of quality outside backs so I knew I had to wait for my opportunity, I didn’t think that would be in round two but I am glad I it did.”
Giants bounced back from losing their two opening Super League games by beating Leigh to progress to the quarter-finals of the Challenge Cup last weekend.
“It was massive to get that first win,” said Wood.
“Leigh started the season firing, with that game against Wigan, and they were good against Warrington so we knew we had to perform for the full 80 minutes, and to get that win was massive for us.” who play their first game on July 24 – and a five-Test series against India beginning on August 4 are likelier to be on the 29-year-old’s radar for a return.
His injury happened when he completed a catch in the deep to see off veteran opener Chris Gayle on Monday, diving forwards to cling on in the 10th over as he made amends for his earlier drop of the powerhouse West Indies batsman.