Ben Stokes left on crutches after injuring his hamstring in Hundred match (Photo: Getty)
England captain Ben Stokes will miss the three-match Test series against Sri Lanka after injuring his hamstring, it has been confirmed.
Stokes picked up the injury during The Hundred match between Northern Superchargers and Manchester Originals on Sunday.
The 33-year pulled up while sprinting for a quick single and had to be helped off the field before later leaving Old Trafford on crutches, a sight that sent shivers down the spines of England fans.
The ECB have now confirmed the worst in a statement on Tuesday evening:
‘England Men’s Test Captain Ben Stokes has been ruled out for the rest of the summer after tearing his left hamstring while playing for Northern Superchargers in The Hundred on Sunday.
‘As a result of the scans conducted in Leeds on Tuesday, Stokes will miss England’s three-match Rothesay Test series against Sri Lanka, which begins at Emirates Old Trafford on Wednesday, 21 August.
Stokes is out for the rest of the summer (Photo: Getty)
‘There will be no addition to the squad for this series.
‘The all-rounder is aiming to return for England’s winter Test tour of Pakistan, scheduled to start in early October. The tour includes three Test matches in Multan, Karachi, and Rawalpindi.
Stokes’ absence is a huge blow for England (Photo: Getty)
‘England batter Ollie Pope will captain the side in Ben’s absence.’
As mentioned, the Test series against Sri Lanka begins in just over a week’s time before continuing on August 29 at Lord’s and then concluding at The Oval on September 6.
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.