Follow UsEngland will head into the second day of the third Test against India at Lord’s with fresh doubts over the fitness of their captain Ben Stokes. He pulled up with what appeared to be a groin issue late on the opening day, receiving on-field treatment before batting through until stumps. England were 251 for 4 at the close, with Joe Root 99* and Stokes 39*.
The 34-year-old’s career has been repeatedly affected by injuries, including a longstanding knee problem that required surgery in 2023. Over the past eight months, he has also suffered two hamstring tears. In a positive development ahead of this series, Stokes had returned to bowling at full tilt after an extended period where fitness issues had limited his role as a seam-bowling all-rounder.
Stokes has already bowled 61 overs in the series and taken six wickets at an average of 35.50. However, given his vital role in maintaining the team’s balance, especially in a marquee home series tied at 1-1, England’s management will hope Thursday’s discomfort is nothing more than a minor setback. The bigger picture also includes an Ashes tour of Australia later in the year.
"Fingers crossed he can do something magic and come back strong. I've not seen him since, so fingers crossed there's nothing too serious. But clearly we've got a big Test over the next four days and we've got a big two [at Old Trafford and The Oval] coming up as well, so it is important to try and manage him,” said England vice-captain Ollie Pope, who scored a gritty 44 off 104 deliveries on day one.
"We'll see how he pulls up tomorrow, but for me, that is partially one of my roles, to make sure that he doesn't push himself to a ridiculous place with whatever he's dealing with at the moment. I'm sure the physios, the medics will work with him to lay out a plan and then I'll help push him in the right direction."
Play ended with Root just one run away from his 37th Test hundred and what would be a record-extending eighth century at Lord’s. Pope, however, believes the veteran batter won’t be too bothered by the overnight wait.
"Obviously he'd have loved to have a hundred red (not out), but he's got 36 of them, so I don't think he'll be too sleepless. He'll get his head down. It would have been nice to see him get it tonight but he'll be looking at the bigger picture and trying to make it a monster innings. Hopefully we can kick on and get 400, towards 500."
(With inputs from AFP)