England Test captain Ben Stokes sidelined for three months due to injury

During the third Test match against New Zealand last month, England Test captain Ben Stokes re-injured his left hamstring, which will keep him out of cricket for at least three months. In a statement released Monday, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) revealed that the 33-year-old all-rounder will have surgery in January.

During The Hundred in August, Ben Stokes first tore his hamstring, missing four Test matches. The injury returned during England's 2-1 series victory against New Zealand in the third Test, despite a partial recovery. During the game, Stokes bowled 36.2 overs, the most he has bowled in a Test since 2022.

In a social media post, Ben Stokes wrote that he was determined to get past the setback, saying, "I've got so much more left in this tank and so much more blood, sweat, and tears to go through for my team and this shirt. There's a reason I have a Phoenix permanently inked on my body."

Something else to overcome…go on then!!!!!!!!

I’ve got so much more left in this tank and so much more blood sweat and tears to go through for my team and this shirt.
There’s a reason I have a Phoenix permanently inked on my body

See you on the field to fuck some shit up

— Ben Stokes (@benstokes38) December 23, 2024

As Stokes manages his multiple roles as an all-rounder and a captain, the injury represents yet another obstacle in his career. Despite England's difficulties in the game, his dedication was evident in his rigorous workload in the New Zealand series, which included spells of eight, eight, and seven overs in a single day.

England will play a one-off Test match against Zimbabwe in May before facing India in a highly anticipated five-match home series in July and August. As he concentrates on his injury and rehabilitation, Stokes' availability for these games is still unknown.

Ben Stokes left out of England Champions Trophy squad

During the New Zealand series, Stokes' batting average of 52.66 and seven dismissals at 36.85 demonstrated glimmers of his all-around skill. But playing the all-rounder role has taken a toll on Stokes' body, as he has acknowledged that his pursuit of fitness has "physically drained and ruined himself."

Stokes was left out of England's team for the Champions Trophy in February due to medical reasons, indicating that the injury has already impacted their plans. Having missed portions of the season owing to knee surgery in October 2023 and missing England's ODI setup during their early departure from the 2023 Cricket World Cup, Stokes is still going through a difficult time.