Ben Stokes out of IND vs ENG 5th Test? England camp shares series-defining update
Table of Contents
England captain Ben Stokes suffered a cramp and refrained from bowling on Day 4; however, England looks hopeful for his return with the ball on Day 5.
England has dominated India to an extent in the ongoing series, despite the Indian batters showing firm resistance and class at times. The English bowlers have caused some worry to the batters, especially since the second innings at Lord's.
One man who has been the master of threatening pace bowling for England is skipper Ben Stokes. Ben Stokes, unlike most other series in recent years, has bowled many overs in this home series against India. The captain is also the highest wicket-taker in the series.
England's bowlers looked a bit incomplete without Ben Stokes bowling on Day 4 of the Manchester Test. The captain is expected to return to lead England to a series win on Sunday after having picked a 5-for in the first innings.
Ben Stokes sidelines injury scare to lead England with a crucial century
Ben Stokes, who joined Joe Root in the middle after two early falls of wickets in the post-lunch session on Day 3, went on to build a big partnership alongside the veteran batter. He left the field in the middle of his innings with a cramp in his left leg, but later returned after the wicket of Chris Woakes.
Stokes went on to score a stunning hundred, his first in more than two years, on the fourth day of the Manchester Test. Ben took England off to a massive 669, as the hosts claimed a huge 311-run lead in the first innings. However, with some growing concern about the hamstring, he did not bowl an over in the second Indian innings on Day 4.
Stokes was seen clutching his hamstring while fielding for England; however, assistant coach Marcus Trescothick has claimed it to be just a build-up for having such a hectic workload.
England expect Ben Stokes to return with the ball on Day 5
Stokes has prepared for the series against India after undergoing a gruelling rehabilitation program following a major hamstring injury in January, as he bowled 129 overs in the series so far, his personal record for a Test series throughout his career. He has also claimed 16 wickets with a 5-for in the first innings of the ongoing Test.
"He's a bit stiff and sore," said the English assistant coach. "He's had quite a big workload in the last few weeks, and then batting in the first innings, he was getting quite a bit of cramp. We are hoping that with another night's rest and a bit more physio work overnight, he'll be back and doing a bit tomorrow," he added.
Trescothick also revealed that the English never planned to bowl Stokes on Day 4 afternoon, with the belief that his body would need the break. He also confirmed that Stokes came out to the field despite his stiffness to bowl on the fifth day.
"If he was off the field [today], then he wouldn't be able to come back and bowl tomorrow," he explained.
Shubman Gill and KL Rahul reclaim India's positivity at Old Trafford
After Ben Stokes became the first English player with a 5-for and a century in the same Test match against India, his teammate Chris Woakes added to his joy with a double-strike in the first over of the Indian innings.
Captain Shubman Gill and experienced batter KL Rahul were under extreme pressure as India were reduced to 2/0 while trailing by 311 runs in the innings. However, the two batters showed class as they played for the two remaining sessions and ended the Indian innings on a strong 2/174 at stumps on Day 4.
Captain Gill himself stood not out on 78*, while KL Rahul ended on 87*; the two will resume the Indian innings on Day 5, hoping for a draw.
ALSO READ: Joe Root to retire before breaking Sachin Tendulkar's record? Massive update given
Tagged:
India National Cricket Team England National Cricket Team India vs England England vs India Ben Stokes KL Rahul Shubman Gill Chris Woakes Jofra Archer ICC World Test Championship
