England’s injury woes continued in the Ashes as captain Ben Stokes was forced to leave the field during the fourth day of the final Test in Sydney. The all-rounder felt discomfort in the muscles of his right leg while bowling at the start of the day, prompting a premature exit from the match.
Earlier in the series, England had already lost three frontline pacers to injury—Mark Wood, Jofra Archer, and Gus Atkinson—leaving the team’s pace attack significantly depleted. Whether Stokes will be able to return to the field later in the match remains uncertain.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) issued a statement confirming that Stokes’ right leg injury is under assessment, with further details to be communicated once the medical team completes their evaluation.
This marks the fourth major injury for Stokes over the past eighteen months, following previous setbacks involving his hamstring, shoulder, and knee. Injuries have prevented the England captain from completing several series in full, highlighting the ongoing challenge of managing his fitness amid a congested international schedule.
Stokes’ injury occurred during the second over of the morning session. After delivering the fourth ball of his 28th over, he walked off towards the dressing room, leaving England to rely on Jacob Bethell to complete the over. At that point, Australia had reached 523 for 7.
Following Stokes’ departure, Harry Brook assumed the role of acting captain for the first time. Australia ultimately lost their remaining three wickets for 32 runs, finishing their innings at 567 all out, giving the hosts a first-innings lead of 183 runs.
Throughout the series, Stokes has been England’s most dependable pacer, claiming 15 wickets and consistently contributing both with the ball and in leadership. His absence leaves England’s bowling attack vulnerable in a crucial phase of the series.
Ashes 2025–26: England Injury Tracker
| Player | Injury Type | Match Missed / Status | Overs / Wickets in Series |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ben Stokes | Right leg muscle | TBD | 28 overs, 15 wickets |
| Mark Wood | Hamstring | Series out | – |
| Jofra Archer | Elbow | Series out | – |
| Gus Atkinson | Shoulder | Series out | – |
England’s captaincy and pace resources face a stern test in the closing stages of the Ashes, with team management now focusing on both short-term performance and long-term player fitness.