Ben Stokes' Fitness in Question Ahead of Final Day of Fourth Test

Stokes' Availability Uncertain for Crucial Test Day

Manchester [UK], July 27: England is hopeful that their star all-rounder Ben Stokes will be fit enough to bowl on the final day of the fourth Test at Old Trafford. This comes after KL Rahul and Shubman Gill formed a formidable partnership, leaving England in a challenging position without their key bowler.

Stokes, who has been the top wicket-taker in the series, did not bowl a single delivery during India's second innings for the first 63 overs, as India concluded Day 4 at 174/2. The England team reported that he was experiencing stiffness and soreness, and his participation on Day 5 will depend on an overnight evaluation by the medical staff.

India, initially struggling, made a strong comeback as Rahul and Gill put together an unbroken 174-run partnership for the third wicket over 62.1 overs, batting through two full sessions without losing a wicket. England's bowlers appeared ineffective, especially as the ball softened, lacking Stokes' knack for turning the game around.

The only genuine opportunity for England came when a mistimed shot from Gill was dropped by Liam Dawson at backward point off Brydon Carse, highlighting a frustrating day for the home side.

After undergoing hamstring surgery earlier this year, Stokes committed to an intense rehabilitation program to prepare for this significant series against India. His hard work has paid off, as he has bowled 129 overs, the most in a single Test series throughout his career.

Stokes had to retire hurt due to cramps on Day 3 but returned later to score his first Test century in over two years on Day 4.

Marcus Trescothick, England's assistant coach, commented, "He’s a bit stiff and sore. He’s had quite a big workload in the last few weeks, and during the first innings, he was experiencing quite a bit of cramp. We hope that with another night’s rest and some physiotherapy, he’ll be back and ready to contribute tomorrow."

Stokes was seen holding his hamstring while fielding, raising concerns, but Trescothick later reassured that it was just a buildup of fatigue.

"It’s just a heavy workload, considering where he’s been and what he’s doing. We’re monitoring it closely, and the cramps he experienced yesterday have caused some worry... We’ll assess his condition tomorrow," he added.

Interestingly, England had already opted not to bowl Stokes on the fourth day. His workload has been a concern, especially after he bowled 19.2 overs on the final day at Lord’s to secure that victory, leading him to spend four days in bed for recovery. In Manchester, he has bowled 24 overs over two days, achieving an impressive 5/72, but it appears to have taken a toll on him.

"If he’s off the field, he won’t be able to return to bowl tomorrow," he noted.

Stokes, who hasn’t participated in a white-ball international for nearly two years and is skipping The Hundred next month, is unlikely to play competitive cricket again until the Ashes series begins in November.

With the series at stake and India showing no signs of slowing down, England is fervently hoping their captain has one more spell left in him.