Major Ashes Blow for England: Ben Stokes Suffers Right Adductor Injury in 5th Test

England captain Ben Stokes was forced off the field just 15 minutes into Day 4 of the fifth and final Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground, after sustaining a right adductor injury, further underlining the physical toll of a demanding series.

Stokes pulled up midway through his second over of the morning on Wednesday, immediately turning toward the dressing room after delivering his 10th ball of the day. At the time, he was four balls into his 28th over—the heaviest workload among England’s bowlers—and Australia were 523 for 7 in their first innings, leading by 139 runs after 126.4 overs.

All-rounder Jacob Bethell completed the over in Stokes’ absence.

ECB Confirms Injury Assessment

An official update from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed the concern:

“Ben Stokes is currently being assessed for a right adductor complaint. We will provide an update when more information is available.”

Stokes’ departure prompted vice-captain Harry Brook to take over on-field leadership duties for the first time since being appointed deputy for the tour.

Australia Extend First-Innings Dominance

Australia went on to lose their final three wickets for 32 runs, eventually being bowled out for 567, giving them a first-innings lead of 183.

Stokes was off the field for under 40 minutes, which proved significant under ICC playing conditions. According to regulations, any player absent for more than eight minutes must wait an equivalent amount of time before batting—unless the team has already lost five wickets, in which case the player can enter at No. 7.

That scenario was avoided, but uncertainty remains over whether Stokes will bat in his usual No. 6 position, with England already facing a steep deficit.

Timing Offers England a Small Silver Lining

While the injury is a concern, its timing offers some consolation. The Ashes had already been decided, with England trailing 3–1 and surrendering the urn after the third Test. By the time Stokes left the field, the prospect of a consolation victory was already remote.

Importantly, the injury has occurred on the penultimate scheduled day of the series, limiting immediate competitive consequences.

With Stokes no longer part of England’s white-ball plans, his next scheduled international cricket is expected to be June 4 at Lord’s, when England begin a three-Test series against New Zealand. He may also look to return via Durham in the County Championship as part of his preparation.

A Concerning Injury Pattern

This latest setback marks Stokes’ fourth injury in the past 18 months, and the fourth consecutive series impacted by fitness issues.

August 2024: Right hamstring tear during The Hundred, ruling him out of England’s home series against Sri Lanka
Winter 2024: Missed the first Test of the Pakistan tour
December 2024: Hamstring injury recurrence during the third Test in New Zealand
Summer 2025: Right shoulder injury forced him to effectively rule himself out of the fifth Test against India

In the India series, Stokes bowled through visible pain in the fourth Test at Old Trafford, pushing for a series-clinching victory. England failed to force a result, and India went on to win the final Test at The Oval to draw the series 2–2.

Relentless Ashes Workload

Despite these concerns, Stokes has been England’s most reliable seam option throughout the Ashes.

Wickets: 15
Average: 25.13
Best: 5 for 23 (first innings, Perth)
Overs bowled: 101.1

Only Brydon Carse (130.4 overs) has bowled more across the series. Stokes bowled multiple long spells, including:

A seven-over spell on Day 2 at the SCG to reach the second new ball
An eight-over post-lunch spell on Day 1 of the Melbourne Test

His wicket tally was eventually overtaken at the SCG after Josh Tongue’s 3 for 97 helped dismiss Australia.

Bowling Strategy Under Scrutiny

Stokes’ use of his own bowling has drawn scrutiny throughout the series. His reluctance to take the new ball came into focus, especially with England missing specialist openers Gus Atkinson and Jofra Archer.

Many of Stokes’ spells were reactive—aimed at compensating for the inconsistency of England’s other quicks rather than proactive tactical bursts.

Fitness Commitment and Long-Term Vision

Despite repeated setbacks, Stokes arrived on this tour as arguably the fittest member of the squad, having undergone knee surgery at the end of 2023 and radically adjusting his lifestyle—increasing gym work and reducing alcohol consumption.

He has deliberately avoided franchise leagues, including The Hundred, ruling himself out of the 2025 edition with Northern Superchargers, prioritising Test cricket and workload management.

Stokes recently signed a two-year ECB contract extension, committing him through to the 2027 Ashes.

Stokes on Managing His Body

Speaking before the Sydney Test, Stokes offered a candid assessment of the physical toll of modern cricket:

“When you get older you do have to work harder away from the sport… I’ve had some decent injuries over the last couple of years, and when you do have those, you have to constantly work on doing the tiny things you probably don’t want to do in Ashes.”

“The competitiveness takes over when you’re out there. When the game finishes, everything feels sorer… but I have a contract until the end of 2027, and there’s a lot more I want to keep doing.”

Conclusion

Ben Stokes’ right adductor injury is the latest chapter in a physically punishing Ashes campaign that has pushed England’s captain to his limits. While the immediate competitive impact may be limited, the broader concern lies in managing the longevity of a player who remains central to England’s Test ambitions.