IND vs ENG third Test: Ben Stokess harm cloud a fear for England in Lords conflict with India

The skipper pulled up with what gave the impression to be a groin difficulty late on Thursday’s (July 10, 2025), with Stokes receiving on-field remedy earlier than he batted on till the shut.

England have been 251-4 at stumps, with Joe Root 99 not out and Stokes, who gained the toss, unbeaten on 39.

The 34-year-old Stokes’s profession has been blighted by accidents, with a longstanding knee drawback requiring an operation in 2023, whereas the all-rounder has suffered two severe hamstring tears through the previous eight months.

In an encouraging growth for the aspect, Stokes has been in a position to function as a totally fledged all-rounder in current video games after his health points restricted his influence as a energetic seamer.

But such is his significance to the stability of the workforce, with England at the moment 1-1 in a marquee sequence at dwelling in opposition to India as they construct in the direction of a showpiece Ashes tour of Australia, that workforce chiefs will hope Thursday’s incident is merely a minor drawback.

“Fingers crossed it’s nothing too severe and he can do one thing magic and are available again sturdy,” stated England vice-captain Ollie Pope. “We’ll see how he pulls up tomorrow (Friday).

“We’ve received an enormous Test over the following 4 days and we’ve received an enormous two developing after that so it’s essential to try to handle him.

“That’s one among my roles, to ensure he doesn’t push himself to a ridiculous place with no matter he’s coping with for the time being.

“I’m positive the physios and medics will work with him to put out a plan and I’ll assist push him in the fitting route,” added Pope, who made 44 on Thursday.

Play ended with Root only one run shy of his thirty seventh Test hundred and a record-extending eighth such century at Lord’s.

Pope, nevertheless, doesn’t count on the star batsman to undergo too many nerves in a single day.

“Obviously he’d have liked to have 100 pink (not out), however he’s received 36 of them, so I don’t assume he’ll be too sleepless,” stated Pope. “He’ll get his head down.

“It would have been good to see him get it tonight however he’ll be trying on the larger image and making an attempt to make it a monster innings. Hopefully we will kick on and get 400, in the direction of 500.”