England Test captain Ben Stokes has been sidelined from all forms of cricket for at least three months after scans confirmed a torn left hamstring.
The Durham all-rounder is set to undergo surgery in January, ruling him out of key tournaments early next year.
The injury occurred during the third Test in Hamilton, which saw England clinch a 2-1 series victory over New Zealand.
This marks the second time Stokes has suffered a tear in his left hamstring this year. He sustained a similar injury while playing in The Hundred in August.
Following the diagnosis, Stokes took to social media platform X to express his determination to return stronger.
“Something else to overcome – go on then,” Stokes posted. “I’ve got so much more left in this tank and so much more blood sweat and tears to go through for my team and this shirt. There’s a reason I have a phoenix permanently inked on my body.”
Stokes has been left out of England’s squads for the upcoming white-ball tour of India and the ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan, both scheduled for January and February.
He was also set to play for MI Cape Town in the SA20, South Africa’s premier T20 league, starting in January. However, the injury has forced him to withdraw from the tournament, dealing a blow to his franchise’s plans.
Stokes’ absence leaves a significant void in England’s squad, particularly in the Test format, where his leadership and all-round capabilities have been pivotal.
