Ben Stokes Faces Uncertain Future After Hamstring Injury

Ben Stokes suffered a hamstring injury while playing for the Northern Superchargers in The Hundred, raising concerns about his availability for the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka. During a match against Manchester Originals at Old Trafford, Stokes pulled up after running a single. He appeared in severe pain and had to leave the field on a gurney, later seen on crutches.

The Superchargers announced that Stokes will undergo an assessment, with an update on his condition expected on Monday. Team-mate and Superchargers captain Harry Brook said the situation “doesn’t look great.” Ben Stokes, who was batting at the time, had only scored two runs before the injury forced him to retire. This injury coincides with England’s preparation for a three-match Test series against Sri Lanka at Old Trafford on August 21.

If Stokes cannot play, vice-captain Ollie Pope will likely step in as captain. Stokes, 33, had recently returned to full fitness after recovering from knee surgery that had previously limited his bowling. He chose to skip the Indian Premier League and T20 World Cup to aid his recovery and led England to a 3-0 series victory over the West Indies earlier this summer.

In The Hundred, Stokes struggled, scoring a duck and two runs in his previous matches before the injury. Despite Stokes’ setback, the Superchargers won their match against the Originals by seven wickets, thanks to rapid innings from Harry Brook and Nicholas Pooran. Brook commented on Stokes’ injury, noting it “doesn’t look great” and confirmed that Stokes will undergo a scan to determine the extent of the damage.