England suffered a major setback late on Day 4 of the fourth Test against India as captain Ben Stokes was seen clutching his hamstring while fielding. The incident has cast serious doubt over his availability to bowl on the final day at Old Trafford. With India staging a gritty fightback through KL Rahul and Shubman Gill, Stokes’ absence could prove costly.
Assistant Coach Confirms ‘Stiff and Sore’ Stokes Might Not Bowl
Speaking after play, England assistant coach Marcus Trescothick confirmed Stokes was “stiff and sore” and hadn’t bowled during India’s 63-over second innings. “He’s had a big workload recently. We’re hoping a good night’s rest and some physio will get him going again,” Trescothick said.
Woakes Strikes Early, But India Fights Back Strongly
India got off to a shaky start in the second innings after Chris Woakes dismissed both Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan in the first over. But Rahul and Gill weathered the storm and stitched together an unbeaten 174-run stand, blunting England’s attack through two full sessions. Without Stokes, England’s pace unit lacked bite, with only a dropped catch off Brydon Carse giving them a rare opportunity.
Workload Concerns Loom Over Stokes’ Recovery
Having undergone hamstring surgery in January, Stokes has already bowled 129 overs in the series — the most he has delivered in a single Test series. He had also briefly retired hurt during Day 3 due to cramps but returned to complete a remarkable century, which temporarily silenced fitness concerns. However, his inability to bowl on Day 4 reignited the conversation.
Trescothick: It’s About Managing the Workload
“It’s not just the one moment,” Trescothick clarified when asked about the captain clutching his hamstring. “It’s the overall toll of what he’s done over the last few weeks — bowling long spells, batting for hours, coming back from surgery. We’re being cautious.”
What’s Next for Stokes? Rest Before the Ashes
After the Manchester Test wraps up, Stokes will miss the upcoming Hundred competition and will next be seen only during the Ashes in November. With one Test to go at The Oval starting July 31, England’s hopes in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy may hinge on their skipper’s fitness.
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