England’s Ashes series has been hit by another major blow in the Sydney Test, as their captain Ben Stokes was forced to leave the ground because of a groin injury in the AUS vs ENG series. With England struggling in the series, the injury has come as a big blow to their hopes of winning the series by launching a late attack.
Ben Stokes Injury: England’s Problems in Sydney Intensify
The problem did not end for England on Day 4 of their Sydney Test after an injury occurred to their captain, Ben Stokes, while bowling. This injury took place during a tense moment in their Sydney match as Australia nears the end of their innings.
Stokes was able to deliver only 10 balls before he felt some discomfort in his groin area, forcing him to walk off the field immediately. He did not return to bowl for the rest of the innings.
How Ben Stokes Picked Up the Groin Injury
“The injury occurred during England’s longest ever over at the Ashes in 2025/2026. At the time Stokes left the field, the Australians were only three wickets away from being all out,” Stokes was quoted.
Despite the absence of Ricky Ponting, the Australians could manage an addition of only 32 runs to their overnight score and were bowled out for a massive 567 runs. England’s bowlers bowled 133.5 overs, the largest number of overs for the bowlers in one match in the entire series. Ben Stokes has been working extremely hard since making a comeback to international cricket.
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In the entire series of AUS vs ENG Ashes, Ben Stokes has been playing an extremely heavy innings. He has bowled over 100 overs in the series, which comes second for England after Brydon Carse, who has bowed over 130 overs.
Stokes was also involved with his batting as he was captain. This has taken its toll on his body, as he looks to have been impacted by his previous workload physically when he competed at the Sydney Test.
Ben Stokes’ Performance in the Ashes 2025-26 Series
Still, Ben Stokes tried his best and could manage an individual performance worth talking about for England. He finished the series with 15 wickets, which is a joint second-highest for England, along with Josh Tongue. Brydon Carse finished as England’s leading wicket-taker with his 22 wickets, but these performances didn’t translate for England into wins.
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Batting collapse deepens England’s crisis
Australia had taken a lead of 183 runs in the first innings, which put England under a lot of pressure. England’s second innings began on a bad note as Jack Crawley was dismissed for 4 runs.
The partnership of 81 between Ben Duckett and Jacob Bethell showed some resistance, and once again the momentum of England went down. Joe Root, after scoring 160 in the first innings, was dismissed for only 6 runs.
Harry Brook and Bethell added 102 runs for the fourth wicket before another collapse followed Brook’s dismissal. At stumps on Day 4, England were 302/8, holding a slim 119-run lead, but with only two wickets remaining.
ECB Confirms Ben Stokes’ Right Adductor Issue
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has issued a statement regarding Ben Stokes’ injury, which confirms that Stokes is experiencing discomfort in his right adductor muscle.
“At present, Ben Stokes is being evaluated for a right adductor problem. Further updates will be provided in due course,” said ECB.
The extent of the injury is not immediately known either. This resulted in uncertainties regarding Stokes’ availability and workload.
England on the Brink of Ashes Series Defeat (AUS vs ENG)
England are already behind 1-3 in this Ashes 2025-26 series. A defeat in the Sydney Test would seal a 1-4 series loss to Australia. By the end of day 4 England are at 119 runs lead with 8 wickets down.
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