After being out for three months due to a recurrent hamstring injury, England’s Test captain Ben Stokes will have surgery in January, according to the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).
Due to the injury, he is unable to play in the SA20 league, and his return date is set for May 22, 2025, when England plays Zimbabwe in a Test match.
In December, during the third Test match against New Zealand, Stokes suffered another injury to his left hamstring. Let’s investigate the situation in its entirety.
Stokes had an outstanding bowling workload during the series, but the injury has brought attention to the physical demands placed on the 33-year-old in his dual roles as captain and all-rounder.
The tear was first sustained in August during The Hundred, and its recurrence was confirmed by a scan after he returned to England.
Hamstring surgery for complete tears typically involves reattaching the tendons to the pelvic bone using sutures.
The recovery process is extensive, beginning with a period on crutches for two to three weeks, followed by a gradual rehabilitation program to restore strength and mobility.
Physical therapy plays a critical role in ensuring a full recovery, with high-level athletes like Stokes requiring tailored “return to sport” protocols.
Post-surgery, Stokes is expected to function normally within three months but may need an additional three months to regain full match fitness and resume competitive cricket.
His rehabilitation will focus on building resilience to prevent further injuries, particularly given his history of workload-related setbacks.
Stokes’ unavailability is a significant blow for England, especially as they look to bounce back from recent Test defeats and prepare for the Zimbabwe series.
His leadership and all-round abilities have been pivotal, as demonstrated by his performances in recent series despite battling injuries.
The injury also impacts Stokes’ franchise commitments, notably his £800,000 contract with MI Cape Town in the SA20, which starts in January.
For now, England’s captain is focused on recovery, promising to return with renewed vigour. As fans eagerly await his comeback, Stokes’ journey underscores the resilience and physical toll required at the highest levels of sport.
His return in May will be keenly anticipated as England aims to reassert dominance in Test cricket.
