LONDON: (ePRESS) – England’s Test team faces a significant change as explosive all-rounder Ben Stokes has been ruled out for the entire summer due to a hamstring injury. Vice-captain Ollie Pope will now lead the team in their three-match Test series against Sri Lanka, starting on August 21 at Old Trafford.
Stokes suffered the injury while running during a match for the Superchargers on Sunday. He was immediately assisted off the field and later seen on crutches. Scans confirmed a tear in his left hamstring, which will sideline him for several weeks.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced that Stokes, 33, aims to return to full fitness for England’s tour of Pakistan in October, where they are scheduled to play a three-match Test series.
Stokes had recently recovered from knee surgery that had limited him to batting only. He resumed his bowling duties earlier this year and helped England secure a 3-0 series win against the West Indies.
With Stokes and Zak Crawley absent due to injuries, England is considering how to fill the gaps in their squad. Dan Lawrence is expected to open the batting in Crawley’s absence. For Stokes’ role, England might look to Jordan Cox, who is uncapped at the international level, or Chris Woakes as a potential No. 7 batsman. Another option is to include four frontline bowlers and use part-time spin from Joe Root and Lawrence.
England has yet to name a direct replacement for Stokes but remains focused on maintaining their momentum in the World Test Championship standings.
England squad for Sri Lanka series: Ollie Pope (captain), Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Harry Brook, Jordan Cox, Ben Duckett, Dan Lawrence, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Olly Stone, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood
