England star all-rounder Ben Stokes is questionable for England's World Cup opener against New Zealand in Ahmedabad on Thursday (October 5) due to an injury.

Stokes, who has endured long-term knee issues, has returned to the team for their 2019 title defense. However, he may be compelled to miss the opening match of the tournament due to a hip complaint.

Stokes did not participate in England's only warm-up match against Bangladesh in Guwahati because he iced the area at the top of his left hip and was confident that the injury would clear up within 24 hours.

However, upon arrival in Ahmedabad, the injury did not heal as anticipated, and Stokes has since been receiving physiotherapy to alleviate the pain. Captain of England Jos Buttler said that they would not "take big risks" with the health of their players early in the tournament.

"He's got a slight niggle with his hip. But fingers crossed that it'll be good news for us. We'll see. He's working hard with the physios, and we'll know more when the guys arrive for training today,” Buttler said.

"We'll make the right call. If he's not fit to play, he's not fit to play. If he is, we can make that decision. It's not the time to take big risks on someone at the start of the tournament. Nearer the end, maybe you do take more of a risk with people's injuries, but it's going to be a long tournament."

Harry Brook, who batted at No. 4 in England's warm-up match against Bangladesh, and is the team's designated replacement hitter, would presumably replace Stokes if the latter were ruled unable to play on Thursday.