England’s difficult Ashes tour took another hit on Day 4 of the fifth Test in Sydney when captain Ben Stokes left the field with a groin injury. The setback added to England’s growing list of problems in a series that has already gone badly for the visitors.
Stokes began the day by bowling the first over at the Sydney Cricket Ground. But after delivering just 10 balls, he suddenly stopped in his follow-through and grabbed his right groin. In visible pain, the England captain walked off the field and headed straight to the dressing room.
Vice-captain Harry Brook took over leadership duties, while Jacob Bethell finished the over.
Soon after, the England team released a statement saying, “Ben Stokes is currently being assessed for a right adductor complaint. We will provide an update when more information is available.”
Another Blow in a Losing Ashes Series
The injury could not have come at a worse time for England. After losing the first three Tests, the team is now trying to avoid a 4–1 series defeat. Australia posted a massive 567 in their first innings in Sydney, leaving England under heavy pressure.
With Stokes now sidelined, England’s already thin bowling resources look even weaker.
A Tough Tour for Ben Stokes
For Stokes, the injury is a painful end to what has been a very demanding and disappointing tour.
Before the Ashes began in Perth, the 34-year-old had said he wanted to join the small group of England captains who have won an Ashes series in Australia. But by the time the team reached Sydney, he admitted it had been “a tough one,” with poor results, fitness issues, and off-field problems affecting the squad.
Heavy Workload Raises Injury Concerns
Stokes has been heavily used during the series. His spell in Sydney was his 28th over of Australia’s innings. Across the Ashes, he has bowled 101.1 overs, which is his second-highest workload in any Test series since 2018.
Given his past problems with knee, hamstring, and shoulder injuries over the last three years, many had already been worried about how much strain his body could take.
England’s Growing Injury List
Stokes’ injury adds to a long list of fitness problems in the England camp:
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Mark Wood was ruled out after the first Test with a knee injury
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Jofra Archer suffered a side strain during the series
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Gus Atkinson missed the Sydney Test due to a hamstring problem
England had planned to rely heavily on their fast bowlers, but injuries have weakened that strategy throughout the tour.
What’s Next for Stokes and England?
Despite everything, Stokes has made it clear that he wants to continue as England captain. He signed a contract extension before the Ashes that will keep him in the role until the home Ashes in 2027.
England’s next Test series is against New Zealand in June, but Stokes’ participation will now depend on how serious his groin injury turns out to be.
For now, England can only wait for medical updates and hope their leader can return before more damage is done.
