ENG vs SL: A mountain of troubles falls on England, captain Ben Stokes out of the Test series

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The England cricket team has suffered a major setback before the Test series against Sri Lanka. England Test team captain Ben Stokes has been ruled out of the Test series against Lanka. Stokes suffered a hamstring injury in The Hundred tournament due to which he has to be ruled out of the Test series. Stokes was injured while playing in the Hundred for Northern Superchargers against Manchester Originals on Sunday. He got injured while stealing a single in this match. After this, he was brought back to the team dugout with the help of crutches.

Stokes underwent a scan on Tuesday which revealed the seriousness of the injury. Let us tell you, from August 21, the England team will start the three-match Test series against Sri Lanka in Manchester. Stokes will not be able to serve as captain in any match of this series. In such a situation, Stokes’ vice-captain for more than a year, Ollie Pope, will take over the responsibility of full captaincy for this series. 

Will return from this tour

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said in its statement that Stokes is aiming to return to England’s tour of Pakistan, which will start on October 7 in Multan. Jack Crowley, who will not be a part of the Sri Lanka series due to a finger injury, is also targeting the Pakistan tour for his comeback. England has decided not to include anyone else in place of Stokes in their team against Sri Lanka. In Stokes’ absence, Jordan Cox can make his Test debut as a batsman at number 6. At the same time, the host team can select an additional fast bowler in Matthew Potts or Ollie Stone.

 

 

England’s Test squad against Sri Lanka is as follows: Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Harry Brook, Jordan Cox, Ben Duckett, Dan Lawrence, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wicketkeeper), Olly Stone, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood.

The schedule of Sri Lanka’s tour of England is as follows:

  • First Test: Old Trafford, 21-25 August 
  • Second Test: Lord’s, 29 August–2 September 
  • Third Test: The Oval, 6–10 September