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| England captain Ben Stokes leaves the field after suffering a hamstring injury on the third day of the England-New Zealand Test in Hamilton | Photo: AFP |
Ben Stokes has been ruled out of cricket for another three months with a hamstring injury. The 33-year-old will undergo surgery on his left leg.
Stokes suffered a fresh injury while bowling on the third day of the final Test of the New Zealand tour. This is the second time this year that Stokes has torn his left hamstring. The first time was while playing in The Hundred last August.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said in a statement that Stokes will undergo surgery in January. "Ben Stokes has been ruled out of cricket for at least three months. Tests have revealed that he has a torn hamstring in his left leg. The Durham all-rounder will undergo surgery on his leg in January."
Stokes himself posted about it on social media X. There, the England Test captain expressed his desire to come back stronger, saying, 'There is a hurdle to cross...so let's get started!!! I still have a lot to give, more blood, sweat and tears to shed for my team and this jersey. That's why I have the Phoenix tattooed on my body permanently. See you on the field.'
Stokes' absence will have an impact on England's Test squad. The team has no Test matches until May. The ECB did not consider Stokes for the tour of India and the ODI squad for the Champions Trophy due to this injury. Stokes will also not be available for the Twenty20 franchise MI Cape Town.