Stokes faces last-minute fitness test ahead of Bangladesh opener

ENGLAND are sweating over the fitness of Ben Stokes as their talisman faces a late fitness test before today’s Champions Trophy opener against Bangladesh. Captain Eoin Morgan said there will be no place for Jonny Bairstow, despite Jason Roy’s poor form, but all eyes will be on Stokes, who will arrive at The Oval ahead of the rest of the team this morning to test his plagued left knee. Morgan would be happy to play Stokes at batsman, but added: ‘You always look to him to bowl a minimum of five overs.’ The medical staff have a plan to manage Stokes’s workload, with England facing five games in 18 days if they go all the way. When asked about Stokes’s pre-game plan, Morgan replied: ‘It’s confidence and getting through his delivery without any pain and being able to slam his foot down. It’s about psychologically being at ease with that, and going straight into the game.’ Deciding to back opening batsman Roy means England will stick with a team who have scored more than a run a ball since the 2015 World Cup. ‘If we want our players to play cagey or without freedom, yes, we would change things and probably half of us wouldn’t be here,’ said Morgan. ‘Jason really epitomises the way we play. I cannot see the selection changing.’ Morgan’s resolve in ignoring Bairstow, one of England’s best Test players, is based on his methods over the last two years. Since the World Cup his side have won 27 of 42 games. ‘It’s about delivering in every game,’ said Morgan. ‘This group of players has the potential to win tournaments.’