 "'Fingers crossed': England sweating over Ben Stokes' fitness ahead of Day 2 of Lord's Test against India")
England are sweating over captain Ben Stokes’ fitness ahead of the second day of the third Test against India at Lord’s, with the all-rounder appearing to struggle with a groin problem while batting on Day 1 .
Stokes remained unbeaten on 39 after facing 102 deliveries, sharing an unbroken fifth-wicket partnership worth 79 with senior batter Joe Root, who was a run short of his 37th Test hundred at the close of play on Thursday. England were 251/4 after 83 overs at stumps after Stokes won his third consecutive toss and opted to bat for a change.
The England skipper was batting on 32 when he winced in pain while clutching his right groin after leaving a delivery from Nitish Kumar Reddy.
Despite receiving medical treatment on the field, Stokes remained in a state of discomfort in the remainder of the day’s play as he hobbled between the wickets, refusing Root’s call for a second run in the final over before stumps that would have helped his partner complete his century.
England hoping for Stokes’ quick recovery ahead of the second day at Lord’s
The home team, however, remains hopeful of the fact that the physical discomfort on Day 1 at Lord’s will not translate into something more serious for Stokes.
“Fingers crossed he can do something magic and come back strong,” England vice-captain Ollie Pope told reporters after stumps on Day 1.
“I’ve not seen him since, so fingers crossed there’s nothing too serious. But clearly we’ve got a big Test over the next four days and we’ve got a big two (at Old Trafford and The Oval) coming up as well, so it is important to try and manage him,” he added.
The top-order batter added that it was his responsibility to ensure Stokes, who has quite the history when it comes to injuries, did not push himself too hard in the face of physical discomfort.
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More Shorts“We’ll see how he pulls up tomorrow, but for me, that is partially one of my roles, to make sure that he doesn’t push himself to a ridiculous place with whatever he’s dealing with at the moment.
“I’m sure the physios, the medics will work with him to lay out a plan and then I’ll help push him in the right direction,” he added.
Stokes has been somewhat underwhelming with the bat so far this series, failing to cross fifty even once while his Indian counterpart Shubman Gill has already racked up 585 runs in four outings.
The seamer, however, has been more effective with the ball in hand, having collected six wickets so far including 4/66 in the series opener at Headingley.
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