NEW DELHI: England captain Ben Stokes has sustained another hamstring injury while bowling on the third day of the third Test against New Zealand in Hamilton.
The 33-year-old, who had previously suffered a torn hamstring on the same left leg in August, was forced to leave the field midway through the day due to apparent discomfort.
Stokes grimaced after delivering the second ball of his third over and immediately headed towards the dressing room.
The England team management released a statement confirming that Stokes was receiving treatment for a left hamstring issue and would not return to the field during New Zealand’s innings.
His availability for England’s second innings will be determined after further assessment.
This latest setback comes after Stokes missed the entire three-Test home series against Sri Lanka in August-September due to the initial hamstring injury.
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He was only deemed fit enough to join the tour of Pakistan for the second Test in October after recovering from the tear.
Despite the Hamilton Test being a dead rubber, with England having already secured the series 2-0, Stokes has taken on a significant seam bowling workload.
His 23 overs in New Zealand’s first innings were the most he has bowled in a single day throughout his 110-Test career. Additionally, his 66.3 overs in the series are the most he has sent down in a series as captain.
While the extent of Stokes’s latest injury remains uncertain, his absence would undoubtedly be a significant blow for England, given his inspirational leadership and all-round contributions.
The team management will closely monitor his condition and make a decision regarding his participation in the remainder of the match and potential future engagements.
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