England’s challenging Ashes tour has taken another hit after captain Ben Stokes suffered an adductor injury on day four of the fifth Test in Sydney, raising fresh concerns over his fitness ahead of the team’s upcoming international commitments.
Stokes hobbled from the field midway through his 28th over during Australia’s imposing first-innings reply, with team management later confirming the all-rounder had sustained an adductor complaint. Despite the setback, the England skipper courageously returned to bat at No. 8, but could contribute only a single run before falling to Beau Webster, with Steve Smith snapping up a sharp chance at first slip.
In Stokes’ absence in the field, Harry Brook assumed leadership duties as England eventually bowled Australia out for a commanding 567. The tourists then turned to young Jacob Bethell for resistance, the left-hander marking his maiden Test hundred, and first in first-class cricket, with a composed innings that briefly steadied England’s second-innings reply. However, the visitors faded in the afternoon session, slipping to seven wickets down with a lead of under 100.
Already trailing 3-1 in the series, England’s campaign has been marred by a mounting injury list. Stokes now joins fellow quicks Gus Atkinson (hamstring), Jofra Archer (side strain) and Mark Wood (knee) on the treatment table, compounding the tourists’ frustrations at the back end of a grueling tour.
With the Ashes already lost and the final Test drifting away, England’s immediate focus will turn to the severity of Stokes’ injury, and what it means for the months ahead.
