Ben Stokes' Injury Raises Concerns for England in Test Series Against India

Ben Stokes, the captain of England's Test team, is facing injury issues that could impact his performance in the ongoing series against India. After sustaining a leg injury while batting, Stokes has shown signs of discomfort and may not bowl in the final day of the fourth Test. Insights from England's batting coach suggest that while Stokes is dealing with pain, there is hope for his return after rest and physiotherapy. The situation remains uncertain, but Stokes' commitment to his team is well-known, and he may still play a crucial role if needed.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 27, 2025, 15:09 IST

Stokes' Impact on the Series

The captain of England's Test team, Ben Stokes, has been a significant challenge for India during the ongoing series. His performance with both bat and ball has made him a key player for the opposition. Ahead of the fifth day of the fourth Test at Old Trafford in Manchester, there is some positive news for India. Reports suggest that Stokes will not bowl against India on the final day.

Injury Update on Stokes

Stokes sustained an injury while batting on the third day of the match, leading to issues with his legs that forced him to leave the field temporarily. Although he returned to bat later, he appeared to be struggling. On the fourth day, he batted again but showed signs of fitness concerns, and he did not bowl during India's second innings until the end of the day's play.

Coaching Insights on Stokes' Condition

Marcus Trescothick, England's batting coach, provided insights regarding Stokes' injury and his ability to bowl. After the fourth day's play, Trescothick mentioned in a press conference that Stokes is experiencing discomfort. The former England captain noted that Stokes has been dealing with stiffness and pain in his leg, attributing it to a heavy workload over the past few weeks. He also mentioned that Stokes suffered from cramps while batting in the first innings. There is hope that after a night of rest and physiotherapy, he will be able to return to the field the next day.

Future Participation in the Match

While the assistant coach did not provide a definitive statement, the current circumstances suggest that Stokes may not bowl in this match anytime soon. If the team finds itself in a difficult situation, he might step in. Stokes has a history of putting everything on the line for his team, a trait that has been evident in previous matches.