Update on Ben Stokes’s injury in Ashes Test

We have seen previously how Indian all-rounder, Hardik Pandya lost his touch when he copped a severe back injury that prevented him from bowling. We may have a new addition to the list and it will be English all-rounder, Ben Stokes this time. However, his inhibition will be limited to the SCG test.

No clarity has been shared about Stokes injury who copped a blow to his side that may put an end to his bowling at Sydney in the ongoing Ashes. He is going through a very rough patch in the Ashes. To add to his woes, he sustained an injury to his left side on the second day of play at SCG. On Thursday he could only bowl just five balls before he left the ground clutching his side.

At the moment, the English management has averted from sending Stokes for a scan that would allow Stokes to return to the field and bat at number five only if he is fit. In the field, he was seen plying his trade in the slip cordon where the running is minimal, thereby shielding his back.

In his absence, the England pace attack turned into a triptych with Mark Wood, James Anderson and Stuart Broad sharing the load amongst them. Broad led the show with an excellent fifer.

Broad said at the end of day's play, “He's one of the toughest blokes I've ever met, the toughest cricketer I've ever met. For him to go off and not bowl… it's obviously sore. But he's icing it at the moment. We've no information on what's happened in his side.”

He concluded by saying, “Hopefully we give him a lot of rest tomorrow. Twelve-24 hours in cricket is quite a long time. It gives the body a lot of time to heal. We'll wait and see. He stayed on the field so he could bat in his usual position. He's a tough character. He'll be out there if it's not torn to shreds. We as England fans and teammates hope it's not as bad as him not bowling again on this trip."

Ever since his return to the international circuit, his figures haven’t been promising so far. He has scored 101 runs at an average of 16.83 and has claimed four wickets at an average of 71.50.