England's Test skipper Ben Stokes is set to skip the latter stages of IPL 2023 to prepare for Ireland Test and Ashes. Notably, the final of the IPL 2023 will be played on May 28 just 4 days before the start of the Ireland Test. Ben Stokes was signed by the Chennai Super Kings franchise for a whopping INR 16.25 crore at the IPL 2023 auction held in December last year.
Ahead of the 2nd Test against New Zealand, Ben Stokes was asked about his availability for the one-off Test against Ireland, starting on June 1 at Lord's. The England skipper confirmed that he will play the Test and will come early to prepare for the game.
"Yes, I'll play. I'll be making sure that I give myself enough time to get back and play that [Ireland] game", Stokes said.
Notably, England's Test team is thriving under the leadership of Ben Stokes. As Test captain, Stokes has led the English side to 10 wins in 11 matches.
Talking about the 2nd Test starting on February 24 in Wellington, Stokes confirmed he would ideally like to go in with the same XI that defeated the hosts in the 1st Test. However, Ollie Robinson is likely to be rested after suffering discomfort below his left knee on day three of 1st Test.
"If we have got a couple of people who are a bit sore, or bowlers who don't feel like they are 100 percent right to go, then I will still be picking my best team because I will be picking the XI who are able to play," Stokes said.
