Ben Stokes Out for Three Months After Hamstring Surgery

Ben Stokes, England Test captain has been ruled out of cricket for at least three months after tearing his left hamstring during the third Test against New Zealand. The 33-year-old will undergo surgery in January, marking the second time he has injured the same hamstring this year, the first occurring during The Hundred in August. Stokes expressed his determination on social media, stating, “I’ve got so much more left in this tank… There’s a reason I have a phoenix permanently inked on my body.”

He is targeting a return for the start of the County Championship in April, with Durham facing Nottinghamshire, although recovery from surgery will determine his timeline. The injury rules Ben Stokes out of England’s white-ball tour of India and the Champions Trophy early next year. He will also miss playing for MI Cape Town in South Africa’s SA20 tournament. England’s next Test is against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge in May, providing Stokes a potential window to regain fitness.

Stokes opted not to participate in the 2025 IPL auction to focus on prolonging his England career. Despite his latest setback, he remains resolute about continuing as an all-rounder, dismissing concerns over managing his bowling workload once fit. This injury comes after a physically demanding year. Stokes bowled 66.1 overs during the New Zealand series, his highest as captain and admitted the mental toll of returning from previous injuries.

Surgery last year addressed a persistent left knee issue but he missed significant matches including Tests against Sri Lanka and Pakistan due to hamstring problems. England faces a pivotal 2025, hosting India in five Tests during the summer before attempting to reclaim the Ashes in Australia. Stokes’ fitness will be key to their aspirations in both series.