Ben Stokes seen using inhaler ahead of England's 2023 World Cup clash against Sri Lanka

England star all-rounder Ben Stokes was reportedly seen using an inhaler during a practice session in Bengaluru on October 25 ahead of their crucial encounter against Sri Lanka at the Chinnaswamy Stadium on Thursday.

According to reports from Sports Tak, there aren't any injury concerns to Stokes, but the use of an inhaler might refer to the point that star batter Joe Root was making about the players struggling with breathing and the air quality.

Here's what Root had told reporters about England's match against South Africa in Mumbai (via ESPNCricinfo):

"I’ve not played in anything like that before. I’ve obviously played in hotter conditions, and probably more humid conditions. But it just felt like you couldn’t get your breath. It was like you were eating the air. It was unique."

He further added:

"I mean you couldn’t get away from it. You walk out onto the field and your shirt’s soaking wet, and you have a lot heavier breath than you would do, and you know you’ve done your fitness and stuff, it’s not like you’re short on that. So you are very aware of it."

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Ben Stokes was left stranded in the previous ENG vs SL World Cup game in 2019

While England seemed to be the stronger side on paper, it was Sri Lanka who beat the hosts four years ago in Headingley. Ben Stokes was producing another heroic effort with the bat but was left unbeaten on 82 as England bundled out for just 212, chasing a target of 233.

Lasith Malinga was the star of the show for Sri Lanka, picking up a four-wicket haul. The Lankans certainly need to lift themselves in the 2023 World Cup and they would like to recall the Headingley game as a motivation. It will be interesting to see how England respond after their horrific start.