England's hopes on the fourth day of the final Ashes Test suffered a significant blow as captain Ben Stokes was forced from the field at the Sydney Cricket Ground with a groin injury.
Stokes Hobbles Off After Brief Bowling Spell
The star allrounder managed less than 15 minutes of bowling on Wednesday morning before pulling up sore. Midway through an over, a clearly disappointed Stokes, who has a history of similar issues, appeared hobbled as he walked from the pitch to sympathetic applause from the SCG crowd.
An England team representative confirmed Stokes was "currently being assessed for a right adductor complaint." The statement, provided to AAP just after 10.45am, noted an update would follow. However, Stokes was later pictured in the dressing rooms with his whites off, a strong indication his participation in this Test match is over.
Workload and Fitness History Under the Microscope
The injury immediately raises questions about the immense physical burden Stokes has carried throughout the Ashes series. The workhorse captain has bowled 101 overs this series, the second-most of any English bowler, in addition to his demanding batting responsibilities.
This is not the first time groin troubles have hampered the allrounder. He was troubled by a similar issue in 2025, notably during the series against India and again in the second Ashes Test after being struck by a ball in the area. He also missed the final Test against India in 2025 with a shoulder injury.
His early exit came just after teammate Jacob Bethell remarked on the cumulative fatigue affecting the seven English players who have featured in all five Tests this summer. England's difficult campaign, which saw their hopes of retaining the Ashes urn vanish inside 11 days of cricket across the first three Tests, has taken a clear toll.
What's Next for the England Skipper?
There is a silver lining for Stokes' recovery timeline. He is not part of England's squad for the T20 World Cup starting next month, which should provide ample time for rest and rehabilitation.
His next scheduled international commitment is the Test series against New Zealand in June. New Zealand holds personal significance for Stokes, as it is his country of birth.
On the field, his departure left vice-captain Harry Brook to assume leadership duties. At the time Stokes left, Australia had extended their substantial first-innings lead to 149 runs, aided by a half-century from allrounder Beau Webster.
