August 12th 2024.
The cricket world was left in shock as England's captain, Ben Stokes, was helped off the field at Old Trafford. It was during a match between Northern Superchargers and Manchester Originals in The Hundred, when the injury occurred. Harry Brook, the captain of Superchargers, expressed his concern over the injury, stating that it "doesn't look good". This has raised doubts about Stokes' availability for the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka.
The Superchargers went on to win the match by seven wickets, but all attention was on Stokes and his injury. He had to leave the field after scoring just two runs, due to severe discomfort. It was later revealed that he was being assessed for a hamstring problem, which could potentially keep him out of the Test series. This is a major blow for England, as Stokes had just returned to bowling for the national team after undergoing surgery for a long-term knee injury in 2023.
Brook, who is also Stokes' teammate in the England squad, gave an update on his condition, saying that he will be getting a scan tomorrow to determine the extent of his injury. The former England skipper, Michael Atherton, who was providing punditry for Sky Sports during The Hundred, stated that it is highly unlikely that Stokes will be fit for the first Test against Sri Lanka on August 21st. He observed that the way Stokes gripped the back of his leg suggested a hamstring injury and it could mean a significant period of recovery for the all-rounder.
However, Atherton remains hopeful that the injury is not as severe as it initially appeared and that Stokes could still play a part in the Test series. But he believes that it is unlikely that he will be able to play in just ten days' time. If Stokes is indeed ruled out, England's vice-captain, Ollie Pope, is likely to take over the captaincy for the interim period. Stokes had played a crucial role in England's recent Test series against the West Indies, scoring three half-centuries and taking four wickets. It would be a huge loss for the team if he is unable to play against Sri Lanka.
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