Ben Stokes, the captain of England’s Test team, hurt his leg on Sunday, August 11, while competing for Northern Superchargers versus Manchester Originals in The Hundred. Two days later, examinations in Leeds indicated a left hamstring strain, and the ECB announced in a statement that the ace all-rounder will miss the remainder of the summer.
Stokes pulled up hurt on finishing the run after being called through for a short single early in the Superchargers’ pursuit. He then fell to the ground and clutched his left thigh. He needed assistance on the pitch, and after using crutches, he made his way back to the team dugout. Stokes will not play in the forthcoming three-match Test series against Sri Lanka, which begins on Wednesday, August 21 at home due to this ailment.
The ECB has stated that Ollie Pope, the vice captain, will assume leadership responsibilities in Stokes’ absence. But no new player will be brought in to take his place in the squad.
“On Tuesday, August 21, at Emirates Old Trafford, England’s three-match Rothesay Test series against Sri Lanka will begin without Stokes due to the results of the scans performed in Leeds on Tuesday. In a statement, the ECB stated that there would be no roster additions for this series.
Jordan Cox, who hasn’t played for his country yet, gets the opportunity because of Stokes’ absence against Sri Lanka. Although he can bat and maintain wicket, the 23-year-old will almost certainly be used as a specialist batter when Jamie Smith wears the gloves. Additionally, England might insert Matthew Potts or Olly Stone as a third speed bowling option and move Smith and Chris Woakes to Nos. 6 and 7, respectively.
Stokes is planning to make a comeback when the Three Lions play three Test matches against Pakistan starting in early October. Zak Crawley, who was previously ruled out of the Test matches against Sri Lanka, intends to make a comeback for the tour of Pakistan.
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Old Trafford in Manchester will host the first Test match. The final two games will then take place in London. Kennington Oval will host the last meeting, while Lord’s will host the second Test.