Ben Stokes suffers hamstring injury ahead of SL Tests: Details
What's the story
England's Test captain Ben Stokes suffered a hamstring injury during a match in The Hundred. The unfortunate incident occurred when Stokes was playing for the Northern Superchargers against the Manchester Originals at Old Trafford. This development raises concerns for the national side as England is set to commence their three-match home Test series against Sri Lanka on August 21 at the same venue.
Injury details
Stokes's injury severity confirmed by Brook
Stokes was visibly in pain after hitting a quick single. He clutched his left hamstring and needed assistance to leave the field. He was later seen moving with the help of crutches. His teammate, Harry Brook, confirmed the severity of the injury after the match. "Doesn't look great unfortunately, will get a scan tomorrow and see how it is," he stated.
Series concerns
Stokes's participation in Sri Lanka series uncertain
The all-rounder is set to undergo scans to assess the extent of his injury. The results will determine his availability for the upcoming Sri Lanka Test series, which wil start in less than 10 days. The England team management will monitor Stokes's condition leading up to the series opener. Notably, Ollie Pope, England's designated vice-captain in Tests, would lead if Stokes misses out.
Team troubles
Stokes's injury added to knee issues
This injury adds to Stokes's previous knee issues on his left leg and cuts short his return to The Hundred, which was expected to last longer than four games if his team progressed. It also exacerbates England's injury concerns as they are already missing opener Zak Crawley, who suffered a fractured finger during the third Test against the West Indies last month.
Stats
Here are his Test numbers
Having played 105 Test matches, Stokes has scored 6,508 at 35.75. He owns 34 fifties in addition to 13 tons. As per ESPNcricinfo, his tally of 131 Test sixes is the most for any batter. Besides, the England all-rounder also has 203 wickets at an average of 32.04 in the longest format. He has scalped four fifers in England whites.
Elite double
Third all-rounder with this double
During the home series against WI last month, Stokes became the 17th Englishman to claim 200 Test wickets. He also became only the third all-rounder with the double of 6,000 runs and 200 wickets in Test cricket. South Africa's Jacques Kallis (13,289 runs and 292 wickets) and West Indies's Gary Sobers (8,032 runs and 235 wickets) are the only other players with this feat.