Ben Stokes, the captain of England’s cricket team, had to be assisted off the field due to an injury while representing Northern Superchargers in The Hundred, casting serious doubt on his participation in the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka.
Stokes pulled up mid-run while attempting to chase down a target of 153 runs against Manchester Originals at Old Trafford. The first Test in the three-match series against Sri Lanka is scheduled to begin at the same venue on August 21. The 33-year-old skipper had scored only two runs off four balls before he was forced to retire hurt, with fellow England player Harry Brook stepping in as his replacement. Stokes was observed clutching his left hamstring after attempting a quick single from the non-striker’s end. Visibly frustrated, he was seen punching his right thigh before two Superchargers staff members helped him off the field.
Stokes was later placed on a stretcher and taken towards an ambulance. However, about an hour later, he was seen back in the dugout. A spokesperson for the Superchargers commented that Stokes' hamstring was being assessed, and further updates would be provided the following day.
In an interview, Harry Brook remarked that the situation "doesn’t look great" but mentioned that Stokes was expected to undergo a scan the next day to evaluate the extent of the injury.
England is already dealing with the absence of Zak Crawley, who is sidelined due to a fractured finger. As a result, Dan Lawrence is expected to step in as a temporary opener, with Jordan Cox being called up as additional batting cover. Should Stokes be unable to play, Ollie Pope, the team’s vice-captain, would take on the captaincy for the first time in international cricket.
Stokes’ potential absence is a significant concern, especially after England's recent 3-0 series win against the West Indies, where his return to bowling following surgery on his left knee played a crucial role. The Sri Lanka series will be immediately followed by another three-Test series against Pakistan, set to begin in Multan on October 7.