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Ollie Pope Urges Caution As Ben Stokes Battles Injury: "Important To Manage Him Smartly"

Sakshi Sharma

Ben Stokes injury (Source:@OneCricketApp,x.com)Ben Stokes injury (Source:@OneCricketApp,x.com)

England may have dominated proceedings on Day 1 of the third Test against India at Lord’s, but their commanding position was overshadowed by a worrying injury scare to captain Ben Stokes late in the day.

Ben Stokes appeared to suffer a groin injury during the final session while batting, visibly wincing in pain and hobbling between the wickets. Though he soldiered on to remain unbeaten on 39 at stumps, his discomfort was clear. The England skipper received treatment on the field but was notably absent after the day’s play.

Joe Root Dominates Day 1

England had won the toss and elected to bat first, closing the day at a solid 251/4. Much of the credit belonged to former captain Joe Root, who once again underlined his status as England’s Batting maestro with a classy, unbeaten 99. 

His innings, which included signature cover drives and graceful glances, was the cornerstone of the English innings against a disciplined Indian bowling attack led by Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja and Nitish Kumar Reddy. 

Root’s composed knock now puts him on the verge of a historic 37th Test century. With a chance to reach the three-figure mark early on Day 2, Root continues to cement his place among the modern greats of the game, especially on home soil.

Ollie Pope On Ben Stokes Injury 

Yet, much of the post-day discourse has centered around Ben Stokes. Known for his never-say-die attitude and willingness to push through physical limitations, the all-rounder has only recently returned from hamstring surgery. This summer, he has played a full role as the team’s fourth seamer, although he has noticeably avoided the long bowling spells that once defined his game.

Vice-captain Ollie Pope, speaking after stumps, acknowledged the concern within the camp and emphasised the importance of managing Stokes carefully.

"Fingers crossed it’s nothing too serious and he can do something magic and come back strong,” Pope said. “We’ve got a big Test over the next four days and two more coming up, so it’s important to manage him smartly."

Pope also reflected on his leadership responsibility, suggesting he would step in to ensure the captain does not exacerbate his injury by playing through it.

"For me, it's partially one of my roles to make sure he doesn't push himself to a ridiculous place with whatever he's dealing with,” Pope added. “I'm sure the physios and medics will work with him to lay out a plan, and I'll help push him in the right direction."

India Too Face Injury Concern

India, too, have fitness concerns after wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant sustained a blow to his left index finger and spent most of the day off the field. He initially received treatment on the field following an awkward take down the leg side from a Jasprit Bumrah delivery and was hit again in the same area shortly after. His availability for Day 2 remains uncertain.