Ben Stokes faces injury woes ahead of Sri Lanka series and Pakistan tour

Stokes has been managing a chronic left-knee injury for much of his career but had returned to bowling earlier this year following surgery during the English winter

PHOTO: AFP

England's star all-rounder, Ben Stokes, is facing uncertainty about his participation in the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka after suffering a hamstring injury while playing for Northern Superchargers in the Hundred on Sunday.

Stokes had to retire hurt during the match and will undergo a scan on Monday to assess the extent of the injury, which could likely rule him out of the three-match Test series.

The injury occurred when Stokes ran for a quick single during the Superchargers' chase against Manchester Originals at Emirates Old Trafford. After completing the run, Stokes pulled up in pain, clutching his left hamstring, and collapsed to the ground in frustration.

He was immediately assisted by the team's medical staff, including strength and conditioning coach Harry Booker and physiotherapist James Pipe, who helped him off the field. Stokes was later seen on crutches and was unable to continue playing.

"It doesn't look great, unfortunately. I think he'll be getting a scan tomorrow and we'll see how he is," said Harry Brook, the Superchargers' captain.

The injury casts doubt on Stokes’ availability for the first Test against Sri Lanka, which is set to begin on August 21 in Manchester. This setback is especially concerning for England, as they are already missing opener Zak Crawley due to a fractured finger. Dan Lawrence is expected to step in as an opener, with Jordan Cox added to the squad as additional batting cover. If Stokes is unable to play, Ollie Pope, England’s vice-captain, is likely to lead the team for the first time in international cricket.

Stokes has been managing a chronic left-knee injury for much of his career but had returned to bowling earlier this year following surgery during the English winter. His participation in the Hundred was intended to prepare him for the upcoming Test series, but this latest injury now puts his involvement in serious doubt.

The Sri Lanka series is tightly scheduled, with only two three-day breaks between the Tests. Following the series, England is set to travel to Pakistan for a three-match series starting on October 7 in Multan.