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Ben Stokes Injury Update: England Captain to Miss County Championship Matches, Uncertain for India Tests
Ben Stokes’ Injury Setback: Will He Miss England’s Home Test Series?
England’s Test captain, Ben Stokes, is set to miss the initial phase of the 2025 County Championship for Durham as he continues his recovery from hamstring surgery. Reports suggest that Stokes, who has been an integral part of England’s red-ball squad, will sit out at least the first six matches before the start of England’s home Test summer.
While speculation has been rife about his availability for the highly anticipated India Test series, Durham’s head coach Ryan Campbell has dismissed concerns, stating that Stokes is pushing himself to regain match fitness ahead of England’s upcoming assignments.
No Ben Stokes for Durham in Early 2025 County Season
Ryan Campbell Confirms Stokes’ Absence
Durham coach Ryan Campbell has confirmed that Stokes won’t feature in the early rounds of the County Championship, citing fitness concerns. The all-rounder has been dealing with recurring hamstring injuries, which led to surgery after he suffered two muscle pulls within a six-month period.
“At this stage, they’re probably not likely to play for us. My expectation is that it’ll be zero – anything else is an added bonus. They’re all coming back from serious injuries,” Campbell told ESPN Cricinfo.
Apart from Stokes, England pacers Mark Wood and Brydon Carse are also unlikely to be available for Durham’s early fixtures, as the club prioritizes their recovery ahead of the Test summer.
Will Ben Stokes Miss the England vs. India Test Series?
England Coach Confident About Stokes’ Comeback
Despite concerns over Stokes’ fitness, the original ESPN Cricinfo report does not explicitly state that he will miss the home Test series against India. Instead, Campbell expressed confidence that Stokes will return at full capacity for the national side.
He highlighted the England captain’s dedication to fitness and recovery, saying:
“What we know about Stokesy is that he’s here nearly every single day working his butt off. The guy had hamstring surgery and was in the next day lifting weights, which I couldn’t believe.”
This statement reassures England fans that the star all-rounder is making every effort to be match-ready in time for the 2025 home Test season.
England’s Road to the India Test Series
England’s upcoming home summer includes a crucial Test series against India, a team they last faced in the 2024 five-match series in India. Given Stokes’ leadership and all-round ability, his presence will be vital for England’s success.
If Stokes is deemed fit in time, he is expected to resume his all-round role, contributing both with the bat and ball, which England greatly missed during his injury layoff.
For more England vs. India Test series updates, check out our latest cricket news section.
For the latest insights and analysis on Ben Stokes’ career, visit his ESPN Cricinfo profile.
