"I worked my a*** off to...": Ben Stokes' colossal statement on fresh hamstring injury

England’s Test captain and star all-rounder Ben Stokes is determined to stick with his aggressive bowling style despite suffering a second hamstring injury in five months during the recent tour of New Zealand.

After the latest setback, Stokes insisted that he is not planning to hold back. England won the three-match Test series 2-1 in New Zealand, and it was their first since 2008, but they suffered a heavy 423-run defeat in the third and final Test, where he pulled up his hamstring and could not bat in the final innings at Seddon Park in Hamilton.

Ben Stokes opens up about his fresh injury

However, with England's next Test scheduled for May 2025 against Zimbabwe, the recovery is unlikely to affect Ben Stokes’ red-ball duties. But the scan results are likely to impact his plans for the SA20 and his availability for the Champions Trophy 2025. There is growing concern about whether the England captain needs to adjust his workload.

Stokes bowled a total of 23 overs in three spells on day one of the Hamilton Test against New Zealand and was in the middle of his 13th over when his injury resurfaced. His all-rounder role has traditionally involved long spells, but shorter bursts could help protect him in the future.

I was very emotional about the whole thing: Ben Stokes

After winning the Test series in New Zealand, Ben Stokes reflected on his recent injury with a mix of disappointment and perspective. Despite feeling frustrated, the captain admitted that injuries are always a risk, especially when pushing his body to perform at the highest level.

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Ben Stokes was quoted as saying by The Guardian: “Obviously, I was incredibly disappointed walking off. I was very emotional about the whole thing. You’re asking yourself, ‘Could I have done more? Should have done this, should have done that?’ But you know, when you sleep on it, and you take the emotion out of it, you realize you’re always putting yourself at risk of an injury."

I am not holding back: Ben Stokes

Furthermore, Stokes revealed that he had worked hard to regain peak physical condition and was fully prepared to take on his all-rounder’s role in Test cricket. However, just as he felt at his best, the injury struck, cutting his efforts short. Still, Ben remains determined to continue playing with the same intensity and commitment moving forward.

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The England captain further added, “I worked my arse off to get to where I was in this game, particularly with my body. It’s just sod’s law—the first time in a while I feel like I’m young again, something happens. I worked really hard to get myself into position to play the role that I did in this game. It’s just one of those unfortunate things. But nah, I am not holding back.”

Stokes calls New Zealand Test series win special

Reflecting on England's Test series win in New Zealand, which was their third in 2024, where they won nine matches and lost eight from 17 Tests, Stokes acknowledged the challenge of facing a competitive Kiwi side. He noted that New Zealand came into the Test series on the back of their historic triumph in India, so this series win was even more significant for England.

Stokes signed off by saying, “We came here to beat a team who, wherever they go in the world, are very competitive. We knew they were going to be full of confidence after their historic win in India.”