Ben Stokes, England’s Test captain, was pulled off the field during a match in the Hundred due to a hamstring injury, which raised more questions about the national team’s injury crisis. With the first Test against Sri Lanka beginning in less than ten days, he is scheduled to undergo scans.

During the chase against Manchester Originals, Stokes, playing for the Northern Superchargers, was forced to leave the game injured. He was seen strolling about after the game with the aid of crutches after being carried off the field by people on each side while clutching his left hamstring. Harry Brook, his captain, later acknowledged that the injury might not be good.

“Doesn’t look great unfortunately, will get a scan tomorrow and see how it is,” Brook said at the end of the match.

Stokes was already dealing with a left leg knee issue, which adds an unsettling element to this most recent setback while assessments are being made. If his side won more games, his return to The Hundred was supposed to continue longer than four games, but it appears that Sunday night’s events have cut that short.

England are already missing the services of their opening batter, Zak Crawley, who suffered an injury against West Indies last month. The injury to Stokes, their captain, can well prove to be a big blow for the English red-ball side that is looking to find a spot in the World Test Championships final.

England is scheduled to play Sri Lanka in 3 Tests, starting on August 21. The games will have a quick turnaround as the series will conclude in a matter of 25-odd days. The first test will be played in Manchester, which will be followed by 2nd and 3rd games at Lord’s and Kennington Oval in London respectively.