England captain Ben Stokes has again suffered a hamstring injury in the ongoing test match against New Zealand in Hamilton. An update from ECB confirmed that Stokes will not return to the field on Day 3 (Monday).
It all happened in the 56th over of New Zealand’s innings, when Stokes pulled up, and left the field while clutching his left hamstring. The medium pacer finished with figures of 2/52 in 12.2 overs, and dismissed Will Young and William O’Rourke.
Stokes tore his same hamstring in August, while playing for Northern Superchargers against Manchester Originals in the Men’s Hundred. He was out of action for two months and returned to action in October 2024 against Pakistan.
Just when it looked like Ben Stokes was becoming fully fit to contribute with the ball, he has received another setback in his injury-ridden career. His 36.2 overs bowled in Hamilton was the most he bowled in a single test match since Headingley in 2022 against New Zealand, where he delivered 40 overs. Stokes finished up the series with seven wickets to his name.
England assistant coach Marcus Trescothick also expressed his disappointment at Stokes getting injured at the wrong time of his career.
“It’s the same hamstring that he’s had before. He’s been going so well, he’s been bowling and playing the role that he does as an all-rounder and captain.”
“We didn’t see it coming, you don’t have any signs of these sort of things…generally they just happen,” Trescothick added.
Ben Stokes-led England side face an uphill task against New Zealand
New Zealand resumed Day 3 on 132/3, with Kane Williamson and Rachin Ravindra at the crease. Both batters were impressive to steer the team in a comfortable manner. Their 107-run stand was broken after Matthew Potts dismissed Ravindra for 44.
Nevertheless, Daryl Mitchell (60) employed a positive intent to provide strong support to Williamson. The veteran batter produced his best knock of the series by slamming 156 off 204 balls, with 20 fours and a six.
Tom Blundell (44*) remained unbeaten as the hosts were eventually bundled out for 453 and set up a mammoth total of 658 for England. Jacob Bethell was the pick of the bowlers with three wickets for the visitors.
In response, England openers again failed to provide a good start to the side. Matt Henry trapped Zak Crawley (5) LBW, while Tim Southee broke the furniture of Ben Duckett (4). At stumps, England are at 18/2, with Bethell (9*) and Joe Root (0*) at the crease.
With two days remaining in the game, England have a task cut out to negotiate the skillful New Zealand bowlers in testing conditions. The Black Caps are on course to avoid a series whitewash, as England are 2-0 up in the three-match test series.
FAQs
When did Ben Stokes last featured in a T20I for England?
November 2022
What is the track record of Ben Stokes in tests?
6,692 runs & 207 wickets (before this game)
