Ben Stokes might not be able to play in England’s next three-game Test series against Sri Lanka. The Test team captain hurt his hamstring while playing for the Northern Superchargers in a match against Manchester Originals in the Hundred Men’s competition on Sunday at Old Trafford.
When the Superchargers needed to score 153 runs to win, Stokes started batting but had to leave the game because his hamstring was bothering him. The all-rounder will have some tests on Monday, and it looks like he won’t be ready in time for England’s Test series.
“It’s not looking good, I’m afraid. He’s scheduled for a scan tomorrow, and then we’ll know more about his condition,” said Harry Brook, the captain of the Superchargers, following their victory by seven wickets.
Stokes experienced pain after running a short distance during his batting. He immediately collapsed to the ground and angrily tossed his gloves aside. The medical team attended to him, but he couldn’t continue and was carried off the field. Stokes was later transported to an ambulance on a stretcher.
Stokes came back to the Superchargers’ bench but needed crutches. “Ben Stokes is being evaluated for a hamstring injury. More information will be provided starting tomorrow [Monday],” stated a spokesperson for the Superchargers.
Earlier, Stokes also didn’t manage to take any wickets, finishing with figures of 15 overs, 6 runs, 29 balls, and 0 wickets. He had returned to play in the Hundred competition after a three-year absence.
The first Test match between Sri Lanka and England is set to begin on Wednesday, August 21, in Manchester. The remaining two Tests will take place at Lord’s on August 29 and at the KIA Oval on September 6.
England is already without their top opening batsman, Zak Crawley, who injured his finger during the third Test against the West Indies.
