Old Trafford, Manchester – England Test captain Ben Stokes was carried off the field on Sunday after sustaining a hamstring injury while playing for the Northern Superchargers in their The Hundred match against Manchester Originals at Old Trafford.
Stokes, 33, was batting for the Superchargers when he pulled up sharply after completing a single. The sudden stop was followed by visible discomfort as he clutched his leg and was attended to by the team’s physiotherapists.
Stokes’s injury has raised concerns about his availability for England’s upcoming three-match Test series against Sri Lanka, which begins at Old Trafford on Wednesday, August 21.
Following the incident, Stokes was wheeled off the field on a gurney and later seen on crutches. The Superchargers have announced that Stokes will undergo further assessment of his injury, with an update expected on Monday.
The severity of the injury remains uncertain, but early indications suggest it could potentially keep him sidelined for a significant period.
Harry Brook, Stokes’s team-mate and captain of the Northern Superchargers, expressed concern about the situation, stating that the outlook “doesn’t look great.”
The injury comes at a crucial time for England as they prepare for the Test series against Sri Lanka, making the timing of the injury particularly unfortunate for both Stokes and the national team.
Stokes’s injury is especially concerning given his recent return to form after a period of recovery from knee surgery. The all-rounder had opted out of the Indian Premier League and the T20 World Cup to focus on his rehabilitation.
His return to full fitness this summer was marked by a strong performance in the series against the West Indies, where he played a pivotal role in England’s 3-0 series victory, taking five wickets at an average of 34.20 across three Tests.
Should Stokes be unavailable for the upcoming Test series, vice-captain Ollie Pope is expected to step up as the acting captain. Pope’s leadership experience and recent form make him a strong candidate to lead the side in Stokes’s absence.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) will closely monitor Stokes’s recovery over the coming days. The team’s medical staff will need to determine the extent of the hamstring injury and the necessary course of treatment to facilitate his return to fitness.
The potential absence of Stokes, a key figure in England’s cricketing setup, represents a significant blow for the team as they gear up for a challenging series against Sri Lanka.
Stokes’s all-round capabilities, both with the bat and ball, have been crucial for England in recent years, making his fitness a matter of high priority for the national team management.
As the cricketing world waits for further updates on Stokes’s condition, England’s preparations for the Test series will continue, with the team hoping for a swift and successful recovery for their captain.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
