England fears over Ben Stokes fitness for rest of fourth Ashes Test

Pain game: Ben Stokes leaves the field yesterday with a shoulder problem
Getty Images
Will Macpherson6 September 2019

Ben Stokes is a fitness concern for the remainder of the Fourth Test, with England cricket uncertain how much he will be able to bowl due to a sore shoulder.

The hero of Headingley was expected to bat as normal as England looked to keep the Ashes alive but captain Joe Root was not sure how much he would be able to rely on the all-rounder if his team field again in the game.

England have already been a bowler light in this series, in the First Test, when James Anderson managed four overs before succumbing to a calf injury. They were beaten by 251 runs.

Although Stokes has been more effective with bat than ball, the last thing Root needed on Friday was an injury doubt over his most important player with the Ashes on the line.

Steve Smith made his 11th Ashes century, and third this series, on Friday to give Australia control of the Fourth Test. Joe Denly, promoted to open, was out late on day two to leave England in a tricky situation, although they were helped by poor weather on Friday morning that delayed the start of the third day.

As well as dropped catches and Jack Leach dismissing Smith for 118 off a no ball — he added 93 to his score, making his third double-century against England — the hosts’ poor day was capped by Stokes leaving the field mid-over with a shoulder issue. He did return but did not bowl any more.

England have remained tight-lipped on the issue, with Jonny Bairstow and bowling coach Chris Silverwood not elaborating when speaking to the media.

Stokes is set to bat but it is unclear whether he will bowl again in a series that continues as soon as Thursday at the Kia Oval. “We will assess him again today and will take it from there,” Silverwood said on Friday.

Another concern for England is Jofra Archer, who looked a little weary after two sensational Tests to start his career. Archer felled Smith at Lord’s, then took a maiden six-wicket haul at Headingley. Silverwood described him as “tired” on a flat pitch in Manchester, where he took none for 97. At Lord’s, he hit 90mph with 22 per cent of his deliveries but that was down to three per cent at Old Trafford.

“We have to be careful with Jofra, he is playing his third Test match. Test cricket is hard work,” said Silverwood.

“There is an educational process with Jofra. The expectations on him have become high quickly, so he is finding his way. Having been a fast bowler myself, you can’t do it every day.”

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