England completed Day One of the third Test against India with a respectable scorecard 251 for 4 but an early injury worry for captain Ben Stokes has take away some of the sheen from the dressing room.
The England captain, having won the toss and opting to bat, seemed to experience a groin problem towards the end of the day. He required on-field attention but was able to bat through to the stumps, remaining unbeaten on 39. Joe Root, for his part, is close to another milestone with 99 not out – just one short of what would be his 37th Test century and record-breaking eighth at storied Lord’s.
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Stokes’ injury will be of specific concern considering his long-standing fight with fitness. The 34-year-old has had knee surgery in 2023 and has also struggled with two severe hamstring injuries over the past eight months. Evidently, he has still managed to return to action recently as a genuine all-rounder – an imperative piece of England’s balance, particularly in a high-profile series like this one.
With the five-Test series now level at 1-1 and the next Ashes tour in a year’s time also on the horizon, England’s administration will be praying desperately that this is just a minor strain.
In comments after play, vice-captain Ollie Pope also expressed those sentiments. “Fingers crossed it’s nothing too serious,” Pope said. “He’s got the ability to do something special, and hopefully he can bounce back strongly tomorrow.
Pope, who scored 44 in the innings, emphasised the need to manage Stokes carefully. “He’s so important for us, not just in this match but for the bigger picture too. My job is to make sure he doesn’t push himself beyond what’s safe right now. The physios and medical team will lay out a plan, and I’ll help guide him through it.”
And as for Joe Root, who will be returning on just one run behind another Lord’s hundred, Pope was not too concerned about his overnight jitters. “Yes, he would have liked to be on a hundred not out, but he has done it 36 times before. I don’t think he’ll lose much sleep over it,” Pope replied with a smile.
“He will be thinking about the bigger picture – attempting to make this a match-defining knock. If we can make something of this beginning and score 400, maybe get close to 500, we’ll be in fantastic shape.”
Day Two will deliver plenty: Root pursuing a personal milestone, Stokes’ fitness being tested, and England seeking to take control in what’s becoming an engrossing Test match.
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