Joe McConnell
Ben Stokes is due to undergo a scan on his injured hamstring on Tuesday as the England captain’s participation in his team’s upcoming series against Sri Lanka remains uncertain.
Stokes was carried off injured during The Hundred after retiring while batting for Northern Superchargers against Manchester Originals on Sunday.
The ECB is expected to make an announcement after the scan, with the three-match series against Sri Lanka just eight days away, live on Vscek.
This is the latest injury for Stokes, following chronic knee problems and a hip problem.
Opening the batting for the Superchargers, Stokes had received just four deliveries when he attempted to run to the non-striker’s end and then fell clutching his hamstring.
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Stokes was spotted on crutches after his Northern Superchargers beat Manchester Originals, casting serious doubt on his participation in England’s upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka
He was then carried off the pitch and, after the match, was walking with a crutch.
“This is a problem. This is a real problem,” he said. Vscek Cricket Comment by Michael Atherton.
“It doesn’t look good. He’s been in great physical shape this year. If you talk to him, he’s fit, he’s lean, he’s been bowling.
“I’m guessing it’s a hamstring, not the knee, the way it was tightening. It looks like it’s gone and that’s a significant moment in the season.
“For England, he holds the team together as a captain and as a complete player.”
Woakes has withdrawn from The Hundred
Due to concerns over Stokes’s condition, ECB withdrew his teammate Chris Woakes from The Hundred to ensure he gets some rest ahead of the series in Sri Lanka.
Woakes was expected to feature in Birmingham Phoenix’s clash with Trent Rockets on Monday, as well as the final group game against Manchester Originals on Thursday.
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Chris Woakes takes a wicket early in the West Indies’ second innings at Edgbaston for England
There appears to have been a lack of communication between Phoenix and the ECB, with the team announcing that Woakes had been injured, while the ECB said the 35-year-old would be rested.
Just before the start of Monday’s match, Birmingham Phoenix wrote on Instagram: “Wishing @chriswoakes a speedy recovery. The England bowling all-rounder will no longer take part in this year’s competition due to injury.”
Following the departure of Stuart Broad and James Anderson from Test cricket, Woakes is now the senior bowler in the England attack with 51 caps.
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