Stokes injury fear for England ahead of Sri Lanka Tests
England captain Ben Stokes is a major fitness worry ahead of the first Test against Sri Lanka later this month after he was helped off the field having suffered an injury playing for Northern Superchargers in The Hundred
Stokes pulled up while running between the wickets as the Superchargers chased a victory target of 153 against Manchester Originals at Old Trafford.
England’s Test series against Sri Lanka is due to start at the same ground on August 21. England are also due to play Australia in T20 and one-day international series in September but it is not clear whether Stokes, who is managing his workload, would have been involved.
The 33-year-old had made just two runs from four balls before being forced to retire hurt, with England team-mate Harry Brook coming out to replace him.
Stokes appeared to clutch his left hamstring as he was completing a quick single from the non-striker’s end.
He was seen punching his right thigh in frustration before being assisted by two members of the Superchargers staff as he slowly made his way off the field.
Should he be unavailable for England duty in the coming weeks, vice-captain Ollie Pope would likely to step up and captain the side.
Stokes appeared to have returned to full fitness this summer after recovering from surgery on a knee injury that had limited his ability to bowl.
He missed the Indian Premier League and T20 World Cup to assist with his recovery but then led England to a 3-0 series victory over the West Indies earlier in the summer.
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