…Vice-captain Ollie Pope to lead the side in Stokes’ absence

ENGLAND Test captain, Ben Stokes, has been ruled out of the rest of the summer after tearing his left hamstring while playing in The Hundred.
The all-rounder will miss England’s three-Test series against Sri Lanka, which starts on August 21, with vice-captain, Ollie Pope, to lead the side in Stokes’ absence.
Stokes, 33, was left on crutches following the injury while batting for Northern Superchargers against Manchester Originals at Old Trafford on Sunday.
He is aiming to be fit in time for England’s three-Test tour of Pakistan which begins on October 7.

Stokes, who was playing in The Hundred for the first time in three years this season, pulled up after running a single and had to be carried off the field.
He had appeared to have returned to full fitness this summer after recovering from surgery on a left knee injury that had limited his ability to bowl.
Stokes opted out of the Indian Premier League and T20 World Cup to assist with his recovery, then led England to a 3-0 series victory over the West Indies, taking five wickets at an average of 34.20 in three Tests.
He played three times for Northern Superchargers during The Hundred, scoring just four runs and taking no wickets.

England host Sri Lanka in the first Test at Emirates Old Trafford from August 21 – 25, followed by matches at Lord’s and the Kia Oval.
‘A big blow’

After Pakistan, Brendon McCullum’s side face New Zealand in three Tests across November and December, before a landmark 2025 that includes five Tests at home against India and an Ashes series in Australia.
“It’s a big blow for Ben and England as he’s captained the Test team remarkably well,” former England captain Michael Vaughan told BBC Two.
“Let’s hope he can get fit for Pakistan, then New Zealand, then everyone will be thinking about next year – fingers crossed Ben can get this injury right and have a fully fit 2025.”
Vaughan added it is “certainly not The Hundred’s fault” that Stokes got injured playing in the competition.

He said: “He could’ve torn his hamstring any time, it could’ve happened on the first day against Sri Lanka and affected the outcome of that match.”
BBC cricket correspondent Jonathan Agnew said Stokes’ injury is especially disappointing because the captain has been “transformed” by being able to bowl again this summer.

“He’s been a completely different character, really enjoying himself,” Agnew told BBC Radio 5 Live Drive.
“This is really bad news, not just for him but the whole momentum England were gaining.(BBC Sport)