England Test captain Ben Stokes was carried off the field due to injury during The Hundred match, where he was batting for the Northern Superchargers against the Manchester Originals. Stokes clutched the back of his left hamstring, a worrying sight for England fans just 10 days before the Test series against Sri Lanka begins.
Superchargers captain Harry Brook replaced Stokes following the injury, which adds to Stokes’ history of physical issues, including long-term knee problems and a hip complaint. While opening the batting in pursuit of a target of 153, Stokes had only faced four deliveries when he attempted a run from the non-striker’s end and collapsed, clutching his hamstring. He was promptly carried off the field and later appeared at the end of the match using a crutch.
“This is an issue. This is a real issue,” said Sky Sports Cricket analyst Michael Atherton during commentary. “It does not look good. He has been in excellent physical condition this year. If you speak to him, he has been fit, lean, and even bowling.” Atherton speculated that it may be a hamstring injury rather than a knee issue, based on Stokes’ reaction. “It looks as though it has properly gone, and this is a significant moment in the season. For England, he holds that team together as captain and as an all-rounder.”
Brook echoed these concerns, confirming that the injury did not look promising and that Stokes would undergo a scan on Monday. Meanwhile, the Superchargers secured a vital victory, with Nicholas Pooran shining as he scored 66 runs off just 33 balls, including eight sixes and two fours, keeping their hopes alive in the tournament.
Credit: Sky Sports
