Ben Stokes is facing a major fitness concern ahead of upcoming Test series 

Ben Stokes is facing a major fitness concern ahead of England’s upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka, scheduled to begin in just ten days. Stokes sustained a troubling left hamstring injury while playing for Northern Superchargers in the Hundred. Despite bowling 15 balls without issue, he was forced off the field after pulling up abruptly while running a leg-bye, having scored just two runs off four balls.

In noticeable pain, Stokes had to be assisted from the field by the Superchargers' support staff. He did not go to the hospital immediately but was seen on crutches post-match and will undergo further evaluation on Monday. Stokes' potential absence would be a significant setback for England, impacting both his captaincy and all-rounder role. Should he be ruled out, vice-captain Ollie Pope is likely to step up as leader, but England would face the challenge of finding a suitable replacement for Stokes’ vital all-rounder contributions.