England captain Ben Stokes has left the field having suffered an apparent groin injury on day four of the New Year’s Ashes Test against Australia at the SCG.
The 34-year-old, who has been England’s best bowler on the tour, was halfway through his 28th over of the innings when he suddenly pulled up sore, relaying his final instructions to his teammates before gingerly limping off the ground. Young all-rounder Jacob Bethell completed the over.
The England captain later confirmed Stokes was being assessed for a right abductor complaint.
“We will provide an update when more information is available,” the statement read.
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Having bowled himself into the dirt this summer, it is currently unclear whether the injury-prone Stokes will take any further part in the innings, or the match. However, he will not be permitted a runner.
“I think he might be cooked,” former England bowler Isa Guha said on Fox Cricket commentary.
“He’s a warrior cricketer, he worked so hard to get himself fit for this series. It hasn’t gone his way, he’s had to really put in with bat, with ball, as captain – and it’s finally tolled in the end.”
Australian legend Adam Gilchrist continued: “We wondered whether this would happen at some point – and the disappointment on the face tells you.
“It’s been a big effort from this man to get through all five Test matches.”
Former Test batter Mark Waugh added: “That’s been worrying him all tour, that groin.
“It’s a shame, he’s tried his guts out the whole tour.”
Stokes has taken 15 wickets at 25.13 this summer, including a five-wicket haul during the series opener in Perth. He missed the fifth and final match of last year’s Test campaign against India due to a shoulder injury.
“This is why I’m doubling down on what I’ve said about (England’s) preparation leading into a Test series,” former Australian fast bowler Brett Lee said on Kayo Sports’ live Ashes coverage.
“Fast bowlers have to be able to bowl all five Tests, simple as that.
“It’s Test cricket, a test of your endurance and pain threshold, it’s hard work and England’s bowlers have tried their hardest, there’s no doubt about it.
“But I think sometimes when they come in a little bit underdone with not the work under their belt that they needed, that’s to me why we’ve seen so many injuries.”
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