Stokes' Fitness a Concern as England Aim for Series Victory at Old Trafford

England are eagerly awaiting an update on Ben Stokes' bowling fitness as they aim to secure a series-clinching victory against India at Old Trafford.

Ben Stokes battles cramps during the Manchester Test. © Getty

Following a dominant century on the fourth morning, adding to his impressive five-wicket haul in the first innings, the England captain did not bowl during India's second innings. KL Rahul and Shubman Gill's stubborn 174-run partnership prolonged the match into a fifth day.

Marcus Trescothick, England's assistant coach, addressed concerns about Stokes' fitness, stating, "He's a bit stiff and sore. He's had quite a big workload in the last few weeks, and then batting in the first innings, he was getting quite a bit of cramp. We are hoping that with another night's rest and a bit more physio work overnight, he'll be back and doing a bit tomorrow."

Despite the uncertainty surrounding Stokes' bowling, England remains the strong favorite in the Test. Stokes experienced cramps while batting on the third evening and retired hurt on 66, only to return later and achieve a remarkable 141, ending a two-year century drought in Test cricket. During this innings, he joined the ranks of Gary Sobers and Jacques Kallis by achieving the milestone of 7,000 runs and 200 wickets in Tests.

During England's second innings bowling effort, Stokes was observed clutching his hamstring. While Trescothick downplayed any serious injury concerns, the incident highlights his demanding workload. After carefully managing his bowling in the first two Tests, Stokes bowled marathon spells of nine and ten overs on the final day at Lord's. Adding to this, he bowled 24 overs in Manchester's first innings, bringing his series total to 129 overs.

Trescothick elaborated on the situation, "It's just a build-up. It's such a heavy workload, from where he's been to what he's doing. It's just trying to monitor it, and obviously the cramp that he was getting yesterday, you have that little bit of worry... We'll see what he's like tomorrow."

The former England opener acknowledged the significant impact of Stokes' potential absence from the bowling attack. However, he expressed confidence in the team's ability to adapt. "Well, of course, you know, you take anybody out of a four-man attack or five-man attack, it creates a hole. And when you're trying to push for victory on a pitch that is, you know, quite tricky and gets quite slow after the ball gets older. You know, let's not forget, he got five wickets in the first innings as well."

He further added, "So, of course, it's challenging. And it's never great when, you know, bowlers go down or, you know, you don't have someone available to do the work you need to do. It's then just up to everybody else to sort of pick up pieces and do the extra workload. You'll probably see Joe Root bowl a little bit more if he's not available. But let's just wait and see. Hopefully, fingers crossed, it'll be all OK by tomorrow."

Trescothick indicated that resting Stokes from bowling on Saturday might have been a strategic decision to conserve him for the crucial final day. The assistant coach also emphasized the delicate balance required in managing a player like Stokes, given his unwavering commitment to all aspects of the game.

"He loves bowling, he loves batting, he loves diving around in the field, sprinting and doing everything he can do. He is that person who just wants to be involved in the game all the time."

"And of course, as anybody progresses in their career, they pick up little niggles or injuries that may be a little bit more prone as you go along. So, you have to manage everybody as they get a little bit longer in the tooth. And him, no different because of his impact obviously being captain of the team, you want him playing as many games as possible."

"So, of course, if we can somehow find a way to limit the amount of overs he bowls in particular, then, of course, we have done. And maybe we've seen it at different stages throughout this series already where he hasn't necessarily bowled those mammoth spells like he did in previous times. I know at Lord's he did over the course of in-between days and either side of tea or whatever it may be."

"But if you find a way, if we can find a way, then, of course, it will benefit. The more games he can string together as a captain and as a leader in the group and the all-rounder he is, the better that's going to be for the team, of course."