Ben Stokes out of 2nd Test vs NZ? All-rounder delivers fitness update after injury scare in Christchurch

The England National Cricket Team skipper Ben Stokes has delivered an update on his fitness after suffering a major injury scare in the Christchurch Test against the New Zealand National Cricket Team.

Ben Stokes had just recently recovered from his hamstring injury and to prolong his England career, he had also skipped the IPL Auction 2025. Hence, the injury scare against New Zealand came as a huge blow to the Three Lions.

Also Read: ICC World Test Championship Points Table, WTC Table After NZ vs ENG 1st Test 2024

Ben Stokes aborted over due to back soreness

England and New Zealand locked horns with each other in the first Test of the three-match series at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch. The visitors registered a comprehensive 8-wicket win in the match to take a 1-0 lead.

In the first innings, Brydon Carse and Shoaib Bashir ran through the Kiwi batting line-up and Gus Atkinson supported them well as the trio bowled out the Black Caps for 348.

England, meanwhile, piled up 499 in response as Harry Brook slammed sensational 171 runs while Ollie Pope and Ben Stokes smashed terrific half-centuries.

Then, the English team bowled out New Zealand for 254 in the third innings and set themselves a 104-run target, which they chased down easily.

However, on Day 4, Ben Stokes suffered a major injury scare as he aborted a spell midway through his fifth over. He looked good with the ball in the first four overs but wasn't able to complete his fifth over, stepping away after three balls.

He bowled a total of 19.3 overs in the Test match and it was the most he bowled in a match since December 2022.

It's more management than anything else - Ben Stokes

Speaking at the post-match presentation ceremony, Ben Stokes said that he faced some back issues while fielding and that aborting the over was just a precautionary measure. He also confirmed his availability for the second Test match.

"I've not spent that much time out in the middle for a long time. It's been a pretty heavy week this week: a lot of time in the field, bowled 20 overs, and then spent some time out in the middle," Stokes said.

"I hurt my back diving for a ball as well. It's more management than anything else: with where we were in the game, it didn't feel necessary to eke out any more balls than I needed to. I think the body is going to be good for this outing, and I'm raring to go for Wellington."

Very good, very happy with the way we fought the entire week - Ben Stokes

Stokes further expressed his delight over the way his team fought after being in trouble early on in the innings. He said:

"Very good, very happy with the way we fought the entire week. We were under pressure on the second day, 40 for 3, to go from then and get to a very likeable lead was good."

Stokes also lauded Brydon Carse and Harry Brook for their heroics in the match. He asserted:

"You need a bit of luck on the way (on Harry Brook's innings), but you need to make the innings count when the opposition drops catches. He's an incredible player, an incredible batter who constantly looks to put pressure on the opposition at all times.

"Amazing, I've known Brydon since his Durham days, know his potential, to see him perform so well is amazing. He always gives his best with the ball and at all times."