By T. Jayani, JadeTimes News
England Test captain Ben Stokes was taken off the field with a hamstring injury while playing for the Northern Superchargers in The Hundred. The injury occurred during a match against the Manchester Originals at Old Trafford on Sunday when Stokes pulled up after running a single.
This injury raises concerns about Stokes' availability for England’s upcoming three match Test series against Sri Lanka, set to begin at Old Trafford on Wednesday, 21 August. The Superchargers have stated that Stokes will undergo an assessment, with an update expected on Monday.
Harry Brook, who captains the Superchargers, commented that the situation "doesn't look great." Stokes, 33, was visibly in pain as he was attended to by physios, even punching his leg in frustration. He was transported off the field on a gurney and later seen on crutches.
If Stokes is unable to play for England in the upcoming series, vice captain Ollie Pope is likely to take over as captain. Stokes had appeared to regain full fitness this summer after recovering from knee surgery, which had previously restricted his ability to bowl. He had skipped the Indian Premier League and the T20 World Cup to focus on his recovery, subsequently leading England to a 3-0 series victory over the West Indies, where he took five wickets at an average of 34.20 in three Tests.
This season marked Stokes' return to The Hundred for the first time since 2021, and this was his third match for the Northern Superchargers. In his previous matches, he had been bowled out for a first ball duck against Birmingham Phoenix and scored just two runs in a shortened game against Welsh Fire.
On Sunday, Stokes opened the batting in a chase of 153 against the Originals and was two not out after four balls when he sustained the injury, forcing him to retire hurt. Despite his early departure, the Superchargers secured a seven-wicket victory, thanks to a rapid 43 from Brook and an unbeaten 66 off 33 balls from Nicholas Pooran.
Brook, speaking to Sky Sports, expressed concern over Stokes' injury, stating, "Doesn't look great unfortunately, but I think he'll be getting a scan tomorrow and we'll see how he is."
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