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July 11, 2025

Ben Stokes injury cloud a worry for England in India Test

Ben Stokes injury cloud a worry for England in India Test
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England captain Ben Stokes ended Day 1 of the third Test at Lord's visibly hobbling with a groin injury, raising concerns about his availability as England aim to level the series against India at 1–1.

On a slow, seaming pitch, England reached 251/4, led by a solid partnership between Joe Root (99)* and *Stokes (39)**. But Stokes began struggling with running and needed physio attention late on. He even declined a second run that would have taken Root to a century—raising eyebrows across the ground.

Vice-captain Ollie Pope admitted the camp is "keeping our fingers crossed" and emphasised his own role in making sure Stokes doesn’t overextend himself. No scans have been scheduled yet, but medical staff plan to reassess his fitness before Day 2 to determine his bowling availability.

  • Team balance at risk: Stokes is England's key all-rounder; if his bowling is ruled out, it may force an extra spinner or pacer into the XI—impacting overall strategy.
     
  • Injury history: Stokes has suffered multiple hamstring injuries this year and knee surgery in late 2024, as well as a recurrence in early January—meaning this new groin issue could disrupt his momentum.
     
  • Proactive management: England's medical team must carefully manage his recovery, especially with the Ashes looming and the intense nature of India’s bowling attack.
     

Ben Stokes’s fitness is now a key subplot. If he can bat or bowl on Day 2, England keeps their balance. If not, they'll face a tricky decision on how to reconfigure their XI at Lord’s.


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