England National Cricket Team captain, Ben Stokes, has suffered a serious hamstring injury during the third Test against New Zealand at Seddon Park, Hamilton, adding another blow to his injury-riddled career.
The incident occurred in the second innings as Stokes clutched his left hamstring after conceding a boundary on the second ball of his over.
Visibly in pain, he left the field, leaving fans and teammates deeply concerned.
Youngster Jacob Bethell was called upon to complete the over, while vice-captain Ollie Pope assumed leadership duties.
Shortly after, the England and Wales Cricket Board confirmed Stokes’ condition, stating, “England captain Ben Stokes is currently receiving treatment for a left hamstring issue. He will not return to the field in this innings and will undergo further assessment to determine his availability to bat in England’s second innings.”
This setback is the second for Stokes in the series, following an earlier injury in the Christchurch Test that forced him off the field during his 20th over.
The skipper has borne a heavy bowling workload, bowling more overs than any other player since the first Test in Pakistan in 2022. His dedication, while admirable, has raised concerns about its toll on his body.
The injury occurred during Stokes’ 37th over in the match, and alarmingly, it is not the first time he has dealt with a left hamstring issue.
A similar injury sustained during The Hundred earlier this year had already sidelined him for weeks. Observers fear this latest setback may result in another extended absence for the all-rounder.
On the field, England has faced significant challenges, trailing a dominant New Zealand side that has built a staggering lead of over 600 runs.
