Ben Stokes out of Sri Lanka Test series; new captain named

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has announced that England captain Ben Stokes has been ruled out for the remainder of the season due to a torn hamstring. 

The injury, sustained while batting for the Northern Superchargers in The Hundred on Sunday will force Stokes to miss the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka.

Stokes’ absence is a significant blow to England, as the all-rounder has been pivotal in their recent successes. Vice-captain Ollie Pope will replace him as captain for the three-Test series, which begins at Old Trafford on August 21.

The ECB confirmed that no replacement for Stokes will be named in the squad. Jordan Cox will likely be considered for a Test debut as a specialist batter at No. 6 in his absence. 

England may also consider altering the team balance by moving Jamie Smith and Chris Woakes up the order, allowing them to bring in an additional seamer. Matthew Potts and Olly Stone are the primary candidates.

The injury occurred as Stokes completed a run. He pulled up abruptly before collapsing to the ground and clutching his left leg. He was assisted off the field and later seen using crutches. A scan conducted on Tuesday confirmed the severity of the injury.

The ECB also mentioned that Stokes aims to return in time for England's winter Test tour of Pakistan, which is scheduled to begin in early October and include matches in Multan, Karachi, and Rawalpindi.

"The all-rounder is aiming to return for England's winter Test tour of Pakistan, scheduled to start in early October. The tour includes three Test matches in Multan, Karachi, and Rawalpindi," ECB said.

The tour will feature three Test matches: the first at Manchester's Old Trafford on August 21, the second at Lord's on August 29, and the third at The Oval on September 6.

England Squad: Ollie Pope (C), Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Harry Brook, Jordan Cox, Ben Duckett, Dan Lawrence, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wk), Olly Stone, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood.