Stokes Affirms Unchanged Bowling Approach Despite Second Hamstring Injury

England captain Ben Stokes has declared he “ain’t holding back” with his bowling, even after sustaining a second hamstring injury within five months. This follows an earlier hamstring issue this year that caused him to miss four Tests. The 33-year-old Stokes departed the field on the third day of England’s 423-run loss to New Zealand in the third Test held in Hamilton. He is scheduled for a scan on Wednesday. His bowling workload in the match was notable: the 23 overs he delivered on the first day marked his highest single-day total, while his 36.2 overs for the entire match represented his most in over two years. Furthermore, his 66.1 overs bowled in the series is his highest tally since becoming captain. Speaking to BBC Sport, Stokes stated, “I’m obviously very disappointed, but every setback I come back stronger.” He added, “There’s no doubt I’ll be going away from here, working [hard] as I always do and getting myself back to where I was in this game.” Stokes’ ability to bowl was impeded throughout 2023 by a persistent left knee issue, for which he underwent surgery a year prior. Subsequently, the Durham player experienced his initial hamstring injury while competing in The Hundred in August, leading to his absence from three Tests against Sri Lanka and one in Pakistan. Stokes acknowledged that the endeavor to regain fitness for the concluding two Tests in Pakistan had been mentally taxing. However, he appeared to be in top form in New Zealand, his native country. During the Hamilton match, he was delivering his third over of the third day when he experienced discomfort during his follow-through. He displayed emotion upon exiting the field and did not participate further in the game. Although a scan was initially anticipated before the fourth day, it was postponed until after the Test concluded. “There’s no doubt I was incredibly frustrated last night, in particular with how much graft I’d put in until then,” Stokes commented. He continued, “I felt so good about everything. I felt my rhythm was back with the ball, I bowled a lot of overs, my body was feeling good.” He also remarked, “The first time I feel like a young man again is when I pick something else up.” England’s next Test match, against Zimbabwe at home, is scheduled for May, followed by significant series against India at home and Australia away. Stokes’ physical condition is crucial for the equilibrium of the England squad. The all-rounder frequently undertakes extensive bowling spells, and when questioned about the possibility of these being reduced, he responded, “It’s just one of those unfortunate things. I ain’t holding back.” He further added, “Every time you walk out on the field you’re at risk of injury. You can’t play for anything in this game.” England coach Brendon McCullum indicated he might need to remind Stokes that “he’s not as young as he used to be,” while being careful not to diminish his “flair.” McCullum stated, “That’s what makes him great,” elaborating, “He takes himself to places that other people aren’t prepared to. He pushes boundaries constantly of where he thinks he can take his body.” McCullum continued, “If you try to chisel off any rough edges of those types of mavericks, you end up with a vanilla product and no-one wants that. We want Ben Stokes being the maverick that he is.” He concluded, “We’ll have to deal with it every now and then, he’s going to get a little bit injured. That’s life, right? You can’t prepare for every situation.”