Harry Brook provides Ben Stokes injury update

Harry Brook revealed that Ben Stokes’ injury “doesn’t look good” following Northern Superchargers’ win over Manchester Originals in The Hundred. The injury raises concerns that the England captain might miss part or all of the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka.

The Superchargers won the match comfortably by seven wickets, but Stokes’ injury overshadowed the victory. The 33-year-old Stokes had to retire hurt after scoring just two runs when he appeared to injure himself while running for a quick single at Old Trafford. He was visibly in pain and later seen using crutches. The team confirmed that Stokes was being assessed for a hamstring injury, putting his participation in the three-match Test series against Sri Lanka in doubt.

Stokes had undergone surgery for a long-term left knee injury in late 2023 and had only recently resumed bowling for England. “It doesn’t look great, unfortunately,” said Harry Brook, the Superchargers captain and Stokes’ England teammate, speaking to Sky Sports after the match. “I think he will get a scan tomorrow, and we’ll see how he is.”

Former England captain Michael Atherton, who was providing commentary for Sky Sports, said it seemed “extremely unlikely” that Stokes would be fit for the first Test against Sri Lanka, which starts on August 21. “The way he grabbed the back of his leg looked like a hamstring injury, which could mean a significant time out,” Atherton said. “But it might not be a serious structural issue, so hopefully, it’s not as bad as it looked, and he can still play some part in the Test series. However, it seems unlikely he’ll be ready to play in ten days.”

Stokes played in all three Tests of England’s recent series against the West Indies, where he scored three half-centuries and took four wickets. If Stokes is unable to play against Sri Lanka, England’s vice-captain, Ollie Pope, is likely to step in as captain during his absence.