England Test captain Ben Stokes faces a three-month recovery after tearing his left hamstring, requiring surgery

England’s Test cricket captain Ben Stokes is set to miss at least three months of action following a torn left hamstring, which will require surgery. The 33-year-old all-rounder sustained the injury during the third Test against New Zealand earlier this month, while bowling on day three of the match. This marks the second time in 2024 that Stokes has torn his left hamstring, the first occurring during The Hundred in August.

In a post on social media platform X, Stokes expressed his determination to recover, writing, “Something else to overcome – go on then. I’ve got so much more left in this tank and so much more blood, sweat and tears to go through for my team and this shirt.” He also referenced his resilience by noting, “There’s a reason I have a phoenix permanently inked on my body,” symbolising his commitment to rise from the challenge.

As a result of the injury, Stokes will miss several upcoming events, including England’s white-ball tour of India and the Champions Trophy in January and February. He was also scheduled to play for MI Cape Town in South Africa’s SA20 tournament in January, but he will now be sidelined.

Looking ahead, England’s next Test match is not until May, when they face Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge. Stokes is targeting a return to fitness for Durham’s County Championship match against Nottinghamshire on 4 April, though his recovery timeline depends on the success of the surgery.

In a move to extend his England career, Stokes had previously opted out of the 2025 Indian Premier League auction, which runs from March to May, prioritising his national duties over lucrative T20 opportunities.