Ben Stokes injury cloud a worry for England in India Test

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, seamy 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 role in making sure Stokes doesn’t overextend himself. No scans have been scheduled yet, but the medical staff plans to reassess his fitness before Day 2 to determine his bowling availability.

 

Risk to team balance – Stokes is England's main all-rounder, and if his bowling is discarded, it may force an additional spinner or pacer into the XI, which will impact game strategy.

 

Injury history – Stokes has had to deal with hamstring injuries this year and knee surgery late in 2024, as well as a repeat in early January. This means that this new groin injury could have some effect on his rhythm.

 

Proactive management – England's medical team must manage his recovery well, with the Ashes looming and the intensity 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.