England captain Ben Stokes is in doubt for the upcoming three-match Test series against Sri Lanka after suffering a suspected hamstring injury during a domestic match on Sunday. The injury occurred while Stokes was playing for the Northern Superchargers against the Manchester Originals in The Hundred competition at Old Trafford.
The 33-year-old all-rounder pulled up sore while attempting a quick single and was forced to leave the field. According to the International Cricket Council (ICC), Stokes was later seen on crutches but returned to the dugout to watch his team secure a narrow seven-wicket victory.
Stokes is scheduled to undergo scans on Monday to determine the extent of the injury, but there are concerns he may miss the opening Test against Sri Lanka, set to begin in Manchester on August 21. England teammate Harry Brook expressed uncertainty about Stokes’ availability, saying, “It doesn’t look great unfortunately, but I think he’ll be getting a scan tomorrow and see how he is.”
If Stokes is ruled out, vice-captain Ollie Pope may be called upon to lead the side. England will be eager to maintain their momentum following a 3-0 series sweep of the West Indies, which moved them up to sixth place in the ICC World Test Championship standings. The series against Sri Lanka presents an opportunity for England to gain crucial points in their quest to qualify for next year’s ICC World Test Championship final.
Stokes’ injury comes after a successful return to bowling during the West Indies series, following a period where injuries limited his ability to bowl in last year’s Ashes series against Australia and the away series with India earlier this year.
England’s schedule following the Sri Lanka series includes a three-match series in Pakistan in October against Shan Masood’s side.
England Squad to Face Sri Lanka:
- Ben Stokes (c)
- Gus Atkinson
- Shoaib Bashir
- Harry Brook
- Jordan Cox
- Ben Duckett
- Dan Lawrence
- Ollie Pope
- Matthew Potts
- Joe Root
- Jamie Smith
- Olly Stone
- Chris Woakes
- Mark Wood
Series Schedule:
- First Test: Old Trafford, August 21-25
- Second Test: Lord’s, August 29-September 2
- Third Test: The Oval, September 6-10
Stokes’ potential absence would be a significant blow for England, but the team will look to continue their strong performance in the upcoming series. Fans and cricket enthusiasts will be eagerly awaiting updates on Stokes’ condition and the final decision regarding his participation in the series.
