Ben Stokes Leaves Field Due to Groin Injury in Ashes Test
Stokes' Injury Overshadows Day 4 of the Ashes Test
Sydney [Australia], January 7: England's captain Ben Stokes exited the field after sustaining a groin injury during the first session of Day 4 in the fifth and final Ashes Test against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground, as reported by a sports news outlet.
Stokes departed while bowling his 28th over of Australia's innings, with the England team confirming that he was experiencing issues with his adductor muscle.
According to a spokesperson from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), "Ben Stokes is currently being evaluated for a right adductor issue. We will share updates as more information becomes available."
With Stokes sidelined, vice-captain Harry Brook stepped up to lead the team as England managed to dismiss Australia for 567 runs in their first innings.
On Day 4, Australia resumed their innings at 518/7 after 124 overs, responding to England's first innings total of 384. The hosts held a 134-run lead, with Steve Smith (129 runs off 205 balls, including 15 fours and one six) and Beau Webster (42 runs off 58 balls, featuring four boundaries) still at the crease.
Australia added 49 runs to their overnight score before being all out for 567, extending their lead to 183 runs. Captain Steve Smith scored 138 runs off 220 balls, hitting 16 fours and one six, while Beau Webster contributed 71 runs off 87 balls with seven boundaries. Travis Head was the standout performer, scoring 163 runs off 166 balls, including 24 fours and one six.
England's second innings began poorly, with opener Zak Crawley dismissed for just one run in the first over by Mitchell Starc. However, Ben Duckett and Jacob Bethell stabilized the innings, leading the team to Lunch at 80/1.
In their first innings, England was bowled out for 384 runs in 97.3 overs after choosing to bat first. The opening pair of Zak Crawley (16 runs off 29 balls, with three fours) and Ben Duckett (27 runs off 24 balls, with five boundaries) put together a 35-run partnership for the first wicket. Jacob Bethell managed 10 runs off 23 balls, including two fours.
Harry Brook scored 84 runs off 97 balls, hitting six fours and one six, while Joe Root's impressive 160 runs off 242 balls, featuring 15 fours, formed a crucial 169-run partnership for the fourth wicket.
Root then added a 94-run partnership with wicketkeeper Jamie Smith, who scored 46 runs off 76 balls, including seven boundaries, helping England surpass the 350-run mark in their first innings. For Australia, Mitchell Starc (2/93), Michael Neser (4/60), and Scott Boland (2/85) were the leading wicket-takers.
Brief Scores: England: 384, 80/1 (Joe Root 160, Harry Brook 84, Michael Neser 4/60, Scott Boland 2/75) vs Australia: 567 (Travis Head 165, Steve Smith 136, Josh Tongue 3/97, Brydon Carse 3/130).