England’s grueling Ashes campaign has taken one final hit as captain Ben Stokes was forced to leave the field during day four of the fifth Test in Sydney. The 34-year-old all-rounder pulled up mid-over with a right adductor injury, leaving Vice-captain Harry Brook to take the reins as Australia built a commanding lead at the SCG.
The injury occurred just 15 minutes into the morning session on Wednesday. Stokes, who had been England’s workhorse throughout the series, managed only 10 deliveries before immediately signaling to the dressing room. At the time of his departure, Stokes had bowled 27.4 overs—the highest workload of any England bowler in the innings—with Australia eventually being bowled out for 567, holding a significant first-innings lead of 183.
Assessing the Impact: Will Stokes Bat at No. 6?
The timing of the injury creates immediate tactical hurdles for England. Under ICC playing conditions, a player absent for more than eight minutes must usually wait for an equal amount of time before batting, or wait until the fall of the fifth wicket. Because Australia’s tail was cleared away quickly, Stokes was off the field for less than 40 minutes, technically allowing him to bat in his usual spot. However, whether his adductor will allow him to navigate the physical demands of a long innings remains the primary concern for the medical staff.
An ECB spokesperson confirmed that Stokes is undergoing assessment, but the outlook for his participation in the remainder of the match is hazy. With England already 3-1 down in the series and the Ashes long since surrendered, the priority may shift toward protecting the captain’s long-term fitness rather than risking a total rupture in a match where a victory appears improbable.
A Pattern of Injuries and the Road to Recovery
This latest setback marks the fourth major injury Stokes has suffered in just 18 months, raising questions about the sustainability of his high-intensity “all-rounder” role as he gets older. Since August 2024, Stokes has battled two hamstring tears and a significant shoulder injury that forced him to miss the final Test against India last summer. Despite a strict fitness regime and cutting out franchise cricket to prolong his career, his body continues to feel the strain of his heavy bowling workload.
The only “silver lining” for England is the timing of the injury relative to the international calendar. Since Stokes is no longer part of the white-ball setup, his next scheduled appearance isn’t until June 4, 2026, when England hosts New Zealand at Lord’s. This five-month gap provides a vital window for rehabilitation. Despite these recurring physical hurdles, Stokes remains committed to his future, recently signing an ECB contract extension that runs through the 2027 Ashes summer.
