Ben Stokes has been sidelined for the rest of the summer after scans revealed he tore his left hamstring. The injury occurred while playing for Northern Superchargers in the Hundred against Manchester Originals. Stokes, attempting a quick single, pulled up in pain and needed crutches to leave the field.
As a result, Stokes will miss the upcoming three-match Test series against Sri Lanka, starting on August 21 in Manchester. Ollie Pope, who has been Stokes’ vice-captain for over a year, will take over as captain for the series. England has decided not to name a replacement for Stokes in the squad. Instead, Jordan Cox may make his Test debut at No. 6, or England might adjust their lineup by promoting Jamie Smith and Chris Woakes to No. 6 and 7, respectively, and including an extra seamer like Matthew Potts or Olly Stone.
Despite his injury, Stokes plans to join the team in Manchester and support them throughout the series. The England Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed that Stokes is targeting a return for England’s winter Test tour of Pakistan, starting on October 7 in Multan.
Pope, who has limited captaincy experience, is ready to embrace his temporary promotion. Stokes made him deputy in 2023 to develop his leadership skills, and he has proven himself at No. 3, averaging 44.63 with five centuries. Pope has led England XIs in warm-up matches and Surrey in the Vitality Blast, offering a glimpse of his potential as a leader.
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