Injured Ben Stokes out of SL Tests, Pope to lead
England's Test captain, Ben Stokes, has been sidelined for the remainder of the summer season due to a torn left hamstring. The injury occurred during a match in The Hundred series where Stokes was representing Northern Superchargers against Manchester Originals. Stokes will hence miss the upcoming home Test series against Sri Lanka. England's designated vice-captain in Tests, Ollie Pope will lead in his absence.
Stokes ruled out of Sri Lanka Test series
Scans conducted on Tuesday confirmed the severity of Stokes's injury, ruling him out of the SL series. The series is set to commence in Manchester on August 21. As mentioned, Pope will assume full captaincy duties for the series. He is yet to lead in international cricket. Pope will enter the series with 2,690 runs across 46 Tests at 35.39.
Stokes targets return for Pakistan tour
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has announced that Stokes is aiming to return for England's winter Test tour of Pakistan, which is scheduled to start in Multan on October 7. Zak Crawley, who will also miss the Sri Lanka series due to a finger injury, is targeting the same tour for his comeback. Despite Stokes's absence, England have not named a replacement in their squad to face Sri Lanka.
Here are his Test numbers
Having played 105 Test matches, Stokes has scored 6,508 at 35.75. He owns 34 fifties in addition to 13 tons. As per ESPNcricinfo, his tally of 131 Test sixes is the most for any batter. Besides, the England all-rounder also has 203 wickets at an average of 32.04 in the longest format. He has scalped four fifers in England whites.
Possible debut and lineup changes in Stokes's absence
In the absence of Stokes, Jordan Cox may make his Test debut as a specialist batter at No. 6. Alternatively, Jamie Smith and Chris Woakes could be moved up to No. 6 and 7 respectively with an additional seamer selected in Matthew Potts or Olly Stone. Despite the injury setback, Stokes is expected to join the squad in Manchester this weekend and will try to be with the team throughout the series.
England Test squad vs Sri Lanka
Squad: Ollie Pope (captain), Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Harry Brook, Jordan Cox, Ben Duckett, Dan Lawrence, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Olly Stone, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood.
