Ben Stokes Injures Groin in Third Test Against India
With the series hanging in the balance, England will be hoping that Stokes can recover quickly and lead the team to victory, while India will be looking to capitalize on the injury concerns and take the lead in the series.
England captain Ben Stokes suffered a groin injury on the first day of the third Test against India at Lord's, prompting concerns about his fitness for the rest of the match, despite Vice-captain Ollie Pope expressing optimism about his recovery chances.
Stokes, 34, had treatment on the field and hobbled between wickets, but is not expected to have a scan overnight and will be assessed on Friday morning. The injury is a concern for England, who cannot afford to lose their captain in a crucial series tied 1-1. Stokes has a chequered injury history and has only just returned from hamstring surgery.
England's second injury concern is wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant, who was forced off the field after being hit on the left index finger by a Jasprit Bumrah delivery. The tourists have no plans for Pant to have an X-ray before the second day begins. Despite the injuries, England managed to post 251-4 on a slow pitch, with Pope making 44 in a third-wicket stand of 109 with Joe Root.
The team's fitness concerns are not limited to Stokes and Pant, as fellow seamers Jofra Archer and Stuart Broad have been playing a third Test in a row, adding to the pressure on the England squad. The series is currently tied 1-1, making every match crucial for both teams.