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Ben Stokes Injury Update: Ollie Pope Provides Key Update On England Captain Before Day 4

Rajgeeta Yadav

Ben Stokes [Source: AP Photos]Ben Stokes [Source: AP Photos]

On Day 3 of the fourth Test match between England and India (part of the 2025 Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy), Ben Stokes looked all set to score his first Test century in two years. He had reached 66 runs off 116 balls and formed a strong 142-run partnership with Joe Root for the sixth wicket. 

However, surprisingly, he walked off the field at the end of the 115th over and retired hurt. Jamie Smith came in to replace him.

What Happened To England Captain Ben Stokes?

According to England’s vice-captain Ollie Pope, Stokes had cramps in his left leg, which eventually spread to the entire leg. Pope reassured fans by saying that Stokes should be “good to go” on Day 4.

"He is just cramping down his left leg and it spread to his whole leg from what I understand," Pope said as quoted by BBC. "He will be good to go tomorrow I am sure," he added.

This isn't the first time Stokes has dealt with physical issues. He had surgery on his hamstring earlier in January after tearing it twice in the past five months. Even so, he's bowled more overs in this series than he has in any other during his career.

Despite these challenges, Ben Stokes has been the star of the match so far. In India’s first innings, he was England’s top bowler, taking five wickets. Then, with the bat, he continued his outstanding performance. By the end of Day 3, he was unbeaten on 77 runs and looking strong.

Looking ahead to Day 4, England are in a strong position. They have scored 544 runs for the loss of seven wickets. Stokes, on 77*, and Liam Dawson, who is unbeaten on 21*, will aim to push England’s total beyond 600.

On the other hand, India are under pressure. They will want to take the remaining three wickets as quickly as possible to stop England from building an even bigger lead. So far, Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja have taken two wickets each, while Jasprit Bumrah, Anshul Kamboj, and Mohammed Siraj have taken one each.