by England captain Ben Stokes had to be stretchered off the field after sustaining an injury while playing for the Northern Superchargers at the Hundred and his participation in the Test series against Sri Lanka is in serious doubt.
Stokes stopped running between the wickets as the Superchargers chased a victory target of 153 against Manchester Originals at Old Trafford. The first of England’s three Tests against Sri Lanka begins at the same ground on August 21.
The 33-year-old captain had made two runs from four balls before being forced to retire through injury. His England teammate Harry Brook came in for him. Stokes appeared to grab his left hamstring as he completed a quick single from the non-batsman’s side. He was seen slapping his right thigh in frustration before two members of the Superchargers team helped him as he left the field.
Stokes was then put on a stretcher and wheeled to an ambulance, but an hour later he was back in the team’s dugout. A Superchargers spokesman said: “Ben Stokes is currently having his hamstring checked. Further updates will be available from tomorrow. [Monday].”
Asked about Stokes, Brook told Sky Sports: “It doesn’t look good unfortunately but I think he will have a scan tomorrow and see how he is.”
England are already without Zak Crawley for the Sri Lanka series because of a broken finger. Dan Lawrence is set to play as a makeshift opener and Jordan Cox as batting cover. If Stokes is ruled out, Ollie Pope, the vice-captain, would lead England for the first time in international cricket.
Stokes’ absence would be a major blow, given that England’s line-up looked far more balanced in their recent 3-0 series win over the West Indies and Stokes was fit to bowl again following winter surgery on his sore left knee.
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After the Sri Lanka series, there is a short break before England travel to Pakistan for three Tests, the first of which begins in Multan on October 7.
