England Test captain Ben Stokes has humorously referred to himself as a “Bionic Man” following a successful surgery on his left hamstring.
The injury, sustained during the third and final Test against New Zealand—England’s last match of 2024—temporarily sidelined the all-rounder.
Stokes updated fans on Instagram, sharing a photo of his left leg in a brace, cushioned with pillows for support. His caption hinted at a determined return to action in the near future.
Stokes had recently regained peak fitness to play a pivotal role in England’s three-Test series against New Zealand, having missed the Sri Lanka series at home and two Tests against Pakistan. Earlier in 2024, while representing the Northern Superchargers in The Hundred, he was carried off the field after aggravating the injury.
During the Hamilton Test, Stokes’ workload appeared to catch up with him, forcing him off the field during the Black Caps’ second innings after bowling 13 overs.
This latest setback has ruled him out of England’s squad for the upcoming Champions Trophy, providing him with crucial time to rest and recover, with no red-ball cricket scheduled until May.
Despite the disappointment, Stokes remains resolute in his commitment to making a strong comeback. Speaking to BBC Sport, he reflected on the challenges of injuries but reaffirmed his determination to return to peak form.