[Watch] ENG vs IND 2025: Ben Stokes returns to bat after retiring hurt earlier in Manchester Test; fans breathe as sigh of relief

England fans would have had their hearts in their mouths when Ben Stokes walked off the field while batting in the third session on Day 3 of the fourth Test at Old Trafford, Manchester. The England captain tried to play a reverse sweep off Washington Sundar and was subsequently seen holding his left leg. However, he continued batting alongside Joe Root and scored his 36th half-century in the longest format of the game.

Before the start of the 115th over of the England innings, there was a hold up in play as Stokes wanted to get some fluids to fight what seemed like cramps. At the end of the over, the seasoned campaigner decided to walk off the field. He was seen slightly limping up the stairs to the dressing room. The southpaw was batting on 66 off 116 deliveries at that point. This was the first time he retired hurt in international cricket.