Strauss admits to Stokes concerns as England prepare for potential series clincher
All-rounder Ben Stokes could miss this week’s second Test against Sri Lanka at Chester-le-Street as England chiefs weigh up the team’s hunt for a series-clinching win against the player’s long-term fitness.
Stokes was due to be assessed by England doctors on Sunday after hurting his left knee while bowling on Friday – day two of the hosts’ emphatic innings-and-88-run victory at Headingley.
Warwickshire’s Chris Woakes and uncapped Nottinghamshire paceman Jake Ball are the possible replacements for Stokes if he is deemed too risky for the second instalment of a three-match series.
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“He was struggling [on Saturday]. The plan is to see how he is [on Sunday],” England director of cricket Andrew Strauss said. “We know what he is like – you have to drag him off the pitch kicking and screaming – but we’re mindful of a busy summer ahead as well.”
England follow the Test series with a five-match one-day series and a solitary Twenty20 clash against Sri Lanka, before Pakistan visit in July for a four-Test series and limited-overs contests.