Ben Stokes a doubt for Sri Lanka series after limping out of Hundred match

The England captain, Ben Stokes, had to be helped from the field after sustaining an injury playing for Northern Superchargers in the Hundred and is a serious doubt for the Test series against Sri Lanka.

Stokes pulled up while running between the wickets as Superchargers chased a victory target of 153 against Manchester Originals at Old Trafford. The first of England’s three Tests against Sri Lanka starts at the same ground on 21 August.

The 33-year-old captain had made two runs from four balls before being forced to retire hurt, with his England teammate Harry Brook coming out to replace him. Stokes appeared to clutch his left hamstring as he was completing a quick single from the non-striker’s end. He was seen punching his right thigh in frustration before being assisted by two members of the Superchargers staff as he made his way off the field.

Stokes was then placed on to a stretcher and wheeled towards an ambulance but an hour later he was sitting back in the dugout. A Superchargers spokesperson said: “Ben Stokes is having his hamstring assessed. Further updates will be available from tomorrow [Monday].”

Asked about Stokes, Brook told Sky Sports: “It doesn’t look great, unfortunately, but I think he’ll be getting a scan tomorrow and see how he is.”

England are already missing Zak Crawley for the Sri Lanka series because of a fractured finger, with Dan Lawrence poised to play as a makeshift opener and Jordan Cox called up as batting cover. If Stokes is ruled out then Ollie Pope, the vice‑captain, would lead England for the first time in international cricket.

The absence of Stokes would be a significant blow as England’s lineup looked far more balanced during the recent 3-0 series win against West Indies with Stokes able to bowl again after winter surgery on his troublesome left knee.

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After the Sri Lanka series there is a short turnaround before England head to Pakistan for three Tests, the first of which starts in Multan on 7 October.

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