ENG vs IND 3rd Test: Ollie Pope provides major updates over Ben Stokes' sudden injury

It was a comparably slow day at the Lord's Cricket Ground. England got 251 for 4 on the scoreboard, and there are concerns over their captain Ben Stokes' fitness. Stokes was in visible discomfort, hobbling around the crease even after being attended by the physio. After the stumps, the team's vice captain, Ollie Pope, attended the press conference and informed about the current status of their skipper. At that point, Pope could only cross a finger with a hope for the best possible outcome. 

England was straightaway on the back foot during the initial stage of the match due to Nitish Kumar Reddy's double strikes. Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley departed without making any positive impact. Harry Brook also lost his wicket cheaply. Pope and Joe Root combined to pull the team out from the suddenly formed dangerous situation. Later, after the wicket of Pope, Stokes joined Root in the middle and remained unbeaten after Day 1. Stokes was unbeaten on 39, having faced 102 balls, while Root was on 99 not out. 

After losing four crucial wickets, the partnership of Root and Stokes can be very crucial on Day 2. But the injury of Stokes forced Team England to worry about it. On 32, Stokes took a step forward before leaving a Nitish Kumar Reddy delivery outside off and immediately clutched his right groin out of pain. 

Read More: ENG vs IND 3rd Test Day 1: Full Highlights and Key Moments

England vice-captain provides injury update

"Fingers crossed he can do something magic and come back strong... I've not seen him since, so fingers crossed there's nothing too serious. But clearly we've got a big test over the next four days, and we've got a big two (tests vs. India) coming up as well, so it is important to try and manage him," Pope said this during the press conference. 

"I'm sure the physios and the medics will work with him to lay out a plan, and then I'll help push him in the right direction."