England ended the first day of the third Test against India at Lord’s on 251 for 4, but concern quickly shifted from the scoreboard to the fitness of their captain. (Also Read: Joe Root Ends Day One on 99 as England Take Measured Approach at Lord’s)
Ben Stokes, who was unbeaten on 39 at the close, pulled up sharply with groin pain midway through his innings. The issue emerged after he left a delivery from Nitish Kumar Reddy on 32. He immediately clutched his right side and called for medical attention.
After some treatment, he chose to continue batting but looked increasingly uncomfortable. His movement was clearly affected.
Joe Root was England’s anchor once again, finishing unbeaten on 99. His cool head made all the difference, especially with his partner clearly struggling—hobbling between runs and trying to stay loose with constant stretches.
Root’s steady partnerships with Pope and Stokes earlier in the day built the foundation that allowed England to weather these late challenges.
Visible Discomfort Raises Red Flags
Stokes’ injury didn’t appear minor. His hesitation during a routine single and slow reactions while facing the second new ball were clear signs. Root, well aware of the situation, didn’t push for an extra run when offered a tight second during the final over.
The team now waits for a full assessment. Stokes’ condition could impact not just this Test but the remaining matches in the series.
Pope: ‘We’ve Got to Manage Him Carefully’
Ollie Pope, who scored 44 before falling to Ravindra Jadeja after tea, addressed Stokes’ situation after play.
“Fingers crossed he can do something magic and come back strong,” Pope said. “Clearly we’ve got a big Test over the next four days and big two coming up at Old Trafford and The Oval. So it’s important to manage him.”
Pope, serving as vice-captain, acknowledged his role in helping guide that decision.
“For me, that is partially one of my roles, to make sure he doesn’t push himself to a ridiculous place,” he added.
Fitness History Adds Complexity
Stokes has had a long road back to full fitness. Two hamstring surgeries in the past year followed by knee issues have limited his bowling and workload.
During the first Test win at Headingley, he finally returned to regular bowling, delivering 19 overs in India’s first innings at Edgbaston. He looked sharp, contributing with the ball despite England’s heavy defeat in the second Test.
His recent form as an all-rounder was a key boost for England. Losing that edge now, even partially, could change how England balance their side moving forward.
Second Day Outlook Unclear
With Root nearing a century and England in a stable position, the attention turns to day two. Will Stokes return fully fit?
Will he be able to bowl? Or will England need to reconfigure their approach again?
For now, there’s uncertainty. Stokes has a history of toughing it out, but the team might think twice this time. They know they’ll need him fit for the long run, not just this match.
