Ben Stokes, England’s dynamic Test captain, has been sidelined from all forms of cricket for the next three months after suffering a recurrence of a hamstring injury.
The injury occurred during the third Test against New Zealand at Seddon Park, leaving Stokes to undergo surgery in January and miss significant action in the coming months.
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A Tough Blow for England’s Leader
Stokes, 33, has made his commitment to the England team clear, despite facing another setback in his battle for full fitness. The injury, which was the same left hamstring Stokes tore earlier in the year, has forced the allrounder to step back from competitive play.
During the third Test against New Zealand, Stokes was forced to leave the field on day three after pulling up injured. His discomfort began after he bowled a bouncer to Rachin Ravindra, which was pulled for four. As Stokes felt his hamstring strain, he immediately knew that something was wrong, and his day ended early.
The recurrence of this injury was confirmed by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) following a scan. The tear had first occurred in August while playing for Northern Superchargers in the Hundred, sidelining Stokes for two months. His return to England was marked by the unfortunate news that surgery would be required in January, ruling him out for a substantial period.
No Champions Trophy for Stokes
The injury also meant that Stokes was left out of England’s 15-man squad for the upcoming Champions Trophy in February. The ECB confirmed that Stokes had not been considered due to medical reasons, and he had not played for England’s One-Day International (ODI) side since their exit from the 2023 World Cup in India. This has been a disappointing turn for the allrounder, who had been hopeful of making a return to limited-overs cricket after a difficult period of injuries.
Stokes’ Efforts in New Zealand
Before the injury setback, Stokes had been finding form with both bat and ball in New Zealand. The third Test was significant for him as it saw him bowl his most overs in a Test since 2022. With 36.2 overs, Stokes had worked tirelessly to lead England’s seam attack. On day one, he bowled a total of 23 overs, the most in a single day of his career. Unfortunately, England’s poor performance in the first innings—being bowled out for 143—meant their bowlers had very little respite, which contributed to the wear and tear on Stokes’ body.
Stokes’ all-round efforts in the New Zealand series were noteworthy, with seven wickets and an impressive batting average of 52.66. This return to form was especially important after his struggles to balance both roles as an allrounder earlier in the year. His performance in New Zealand was seen as a positive sign for his potential going forward, particularly after a challenging spell with injuries that had limited his effectiveness on the field.
The Road to Recovery
This setback comes after a period of optimism for Stokes, following successful knee surgery in October 2023. Having undergone surgery to address a chronic issue, Stokes returned to the Test team, even picking up five wickets across three Tests against the West Indies. However, the recurrence of his hamstring injury once again interrupted his progress.
Despite these challenges, Stokes had expressed a positive outlook before the injury, claiming that he had a better understanding of his body and was feeling confident about his ability to bowl long spells in a day.
“I have to work so much harder on the physical side of the job to allow me to go out and do my job but I got a good amount of overs in during the last two games and I am more confident about getting through a lot of spells in a day,” he said prior to his injury. “That is where I got to before I pulled my hamstring.”
Stokes’ commitment to his fitness remains unwavering. “As you get older you think about your body a bit more but I work harder because I have to,” he added, emphasizing his dedication to overcoming his physical challenges.
The Financial Hit and Missing Out on SA20
One of the immediate consequences of this injury is that Stokes will miss out on his £800,000 deal with MI Cape Town in the South African T20 league, the SA20. The league, which begins on January 9, had been a lucrative opportunity for Stokes, but his rehabilitation will prevent him from participating.
England’s next Test match is not until May 22, against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge, which gives Stokes time to focus on his recovery and regain full fitness. It’s a long road ahead, but Stokes remains determined to return to the field stronger than ever.
Ben Stokes’ recent hamstring injury has once again sidelined one of England’s most valuable players. Despite the disappointment of missing out on key fixtures and a major league contract, Stokes’ determination to fight through his physical setbacks remains a hallmark of his career. With surgery on the horizon and a period of rehabilitation ahead, fans of England cricket can only hope for a swift and full recovery, with Stokes returning to the field as soon as possible.
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FAQs
What injury has Ben Stokes suffered?
Ben Stokes has suffered a recurrence of a torn left hamstring, which forced him to leave the field during the third Test against New Zealand.
How long will Stokes be out of action?
Stokes will be sidelined for three months and is set to undergo surgery in January.
Why was Stokes left out of the Champions Trophy squad?
Stokes was omitted from England’s 15-man squad for the Champions Trophy due to medical reasons, as he hasn’t played for the ODI team since the 2023 World Cup.
What was Stokes’ performance in the New Zealand series?
Stokes performed strongly with seven wickets and a batting average of 52.66 across four innings, his most successful series as captain.
Will Stokes play in the SA20 league?
No, Stokes will miss his £800,000 contract with MI Cape Town in the SA20 due to his ongoing injury and recovery.
