Ben Stokes Out for Three Months After Hamstring Recurrence; Pledges Commitment to England

Stokes Vows to Return Stronger After Hamstring Injury Rules Him Out of Cricket

England’s Test captain Ben Stokes has vowed to give his “blood, sweat, and tears” for the team as he begins a three-month recovery from a recurring left hamstring injury. Stokes sustained the injury during the third Test against New Zealand earlier this month, forcing him to leave the field during England’s heavy 423-run defeat at Seddon Park.

The 33-year-old pulled up after bowling the second delivery of his 13th over in New Zealand’s second innings, immediately clutching his left thigh after delivering a short ball that was pulled for four by Rachin Ravindra. It was the same hamstring he tore in August while playing in the Hundred, an injury that sidelined him for two months.

A subsequent scan confirmed the recurrence, and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced on Monday that Stokes will undergo surgery in January. As a result, he has been ruled out of England’s 15-man squad for the Champions Trophy in February, continuing his absence from England’s ODI side since their 2023 World Cup exit.

Workload and Resilience Amidst Injury
Despite his physical struggles, Stokes delivered a commendable performance during the New Zealand series, bowling 36.2 overs in Hamilton, his highest workload since 2022, and claiming seven wickets at an average of 36.85. He also excelled with the bat, averaging 52.66 across four innings, a testament to his determination to fulfill his role as an allrounder.

However, the demands of his position, exacerbated by England’s first-innings collapse for 143, tested his physical limits. New Zealand’s second-innings marathon of 101.4 overs left England’s bowlers stretched and highlighted the strain on Stokes’ body.

Stokes’ ongoing battle with fitness has been a recurring theme throughout his career. After knee surgery in October 2023, he had hoped to manage his workload better but admitted he pushed himself too hard, ultimately “physically draining and ruining” himself.

Looking Ahead
England’s next Test assignment is not until May 22 against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge, giving Stokes time to rehabilitate. However, the injury forces him to miss a lucrative £800,000 contract with MI Cape Town in the SA20 league starting January 9.

In the face of setbacks, Stokes remains resolute. Reflecting on his physical challenges, he said, “I work so much harder on the physical side of the job to allow me to go out and do my job. As you get older, you think about your body more, but I work harder because I have to.”

The road to recovery may be arduous, but Ben Stokes’ unyielding commitment to England’s cause ensures that when he returns, he will do so with the same passion and intensity that has defined his career.