Ben Stokes causes concern for England after having to retire hurt in the Hundred

It seems that Ben Stokes may not be able to play in England's first Test against Sri Lanka as he had to retire hurt while competing for Northern Superchargers in the Hundred on Sunday evening.

Stokes ran through for a quick single during the Superchargers' chase against Manchester Originals at Emirates Old Trafford and pulled up injured after completing the run. He was helped off the field by their medical staff and was seen clutching the back of his left leg, around the bottom of his hamstring and the knee.

He had been knocked off his feet by the previous ball and appeared to be winded by Tom Aspinwall's hard-length ball, which hit him in the gut. He ran through for a single, then ran to the striker's end after Ollie Robinson's attempted ramp. He made his ground but threw his gloves off in frustration, with Harry Booker (strength and conditioning coach) and James Pipe (physiotherapist) immediately running on to provide treatment.

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The injury appears to put Stokes' chances of playing in the first Test - which starts on August 21 in Manchester - in significant jeopardy. He has managed a chronic left-knee injury throughout the second half of his international career but returned to bowling earlier this year after undergoing surgery over the English winter.

England are already missing Zak Crawley for the Sri Lanka series due to a fractured finger. Dan Lawrence is set to open the batting in his absence, with Jordan Cox called into their squad as batting cover last week. Ollie Pope is their vice-captain, and would lead England for the first time in international cricket in the event that Stokes is ruled out.

More to follow…