ENG vs IND 2025: Ben Stokes injured before Ashes 2025/26? Former England star shows concern

It was in the afternoon session of the fourth day’s play of the fourth Test between India and England at Old Trafford, where Ben Stokes was painting the picture of something potentially not right with his left knee. And that’s a huge concern for the home side, keeping an eye on the next game in three and later the upcoming Ashes 2025/26 trip.

Stokes ended his Test century drought after two years since the Ashes 2023 Lord’s century he made. Besides that, he also picked up a five-wicket haul in the first inning of the fixture. Now, if he gets injured, the entire balance of the side will get destroyed along with the captaincy responsibility, as the former England captain, Nasser Hussain, analyzed.

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‘I mean, the fact that he hasn’t bowled at all, we all know Ben Stokes. If it’s a bit of a cramp and he is feeling a bit sore and stiff, he will bowl to see how it is. The fact that he went down later (while stopping a ball), he just felt something at the top of the hamstring, and it’s not a new entry. He had issues in that area.’ Hussain said on Sky Sports Cricket.

Watch: Nasser Hussain shows concern about Ben Stokes’ fitness before Ashes 2025/26

‘You could argue that he had to be in the field, or he is so valuable that he should be off the field. The problem for England is that he has to play all the games because he is the captain. You talk about Archer being rotated, Bumrah will play, but Stokes has to play all five. And in those games, he has to bat and bowl, and because he is doing those so well, he will be exhausted.’ Nasser Hussain added.

🗣️ "You could even debate whether he should be on the field."

How concerning that Ben Stokes didn't bowl today? pic.twitter.com/kNuxqOnlcX

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 26, 2025

Stokes has bowled over 100 overs in the series, along with putting in the dives and stretches in the middle. Moreover, he batted for a long time. With the series already reaching its fifth day on every single occasion, it starts to take a toll on the body.

‘The other problem for them is that Carse has played all four, Woakes has played all four, as has Stokes, and there will be (some tired heavy legs). That’s the series where every game has gone five days. It’s now about the physical demands of Test cricket that’s taking its toll. Mentally and physically, it tests you.’ The former England captain addressed.