Olly Stone Set to Miss Early English Summer Following Knee Surgery
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Synopsis
England pacer Olly Stone will be absent from all cricket for 14 weeks post right knee surgery, as confirmed by the ECB. He is aiming to return to full fitness by August 2025 after a challenging recovery period.
Key Takeaways
- Olly Stone sidelined for 14 weeks post-surgery.
- Undergoing rehabilitation with ECB and Nottinghamshire.
- Aiming for return by August 2025.
- Last played ODI against Australia and two Tests against Sri Lanka.
- Competing for a spot against other fast bowlers before the Ashes.
London, April 4 (NationPress) England fast bowler Olly Stone has been sidelined from all cricket for 14 weeks after he underwent right knee surgery this week, according to a statement from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Friday.
"Stone faced growing discomfort during Nottinghamshire's pre-season tour in Abu Dhabi last month. Additional scans conducted this week indicated the necessity for surgery," the ECB statement explained.
"He will now enter a rehabilitation phase, collaborating closely with medical teams from both the ECB and Nottinghamshire," it continued.
The 31-year-old is expected to be absent at the beginning of the English summer but aims to return to full fitness by August 2025.
Stone's last appearance for England was during the home ODI series against Australia last year, following two Tests against Sri Lanka.
As he seeks to secure a position in head coach Brendon McCullum's plans, Stone faces stiff competition from players like Brydon Carse, Gus Atkinson, and the returning Mark Wood and Jofra Archer, with the Ashes series in Australia just seven months away.
Despite having taken 17 wickets in five Test matches, Stone has only played against Australia in 50-over cricket, with his best performance being 4-85 in Melbourne in November 2022.
His last competitive game was for Dubai Capitals in the International League T20 in Sharjah earlier this year, a stint taken to prepare for his return to red-ball cricket with Nottinghamshire in April.
"Given the physical demands of international cricket, some players are exceptional enough to participate in every match, but we understand as a team that rotation is crucial," Stone remarked to the BBC in January.
"The fresher our players are, the higher the chances for England to secure victories - it has always been emphasized that a fit group of fast bowlers can significantly enhance our chances of hopefully reclaiming the Ashes down under," he added.
England will kick off their home summer with a one-off Test against Zimbabwe in Nottingham starting May 22 before welcoming the West Indies for a six-match white-ball series. Their ultimate test will occur against India in a five-Test home series commencing June 20 in Leeds.
