England's preparations for their upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka have been thrown into uncertainty with news that captain Ben Stokes may miss the series due to a hamstring injury. Stokes sustained the injury while playing for Northern Superchargers in their Hundred Men’s competition match against Manchester Originals on Sunday at Old Trafford.

Injury during the Hundred match raises concerns

Ben Stokes was opening the batting for the Northern Superchargers when he experienced significant discomfort in his hamstring. After managing just a single run, Stokes collapsed and had to retire hurt. Despite immediate medical attention, his condition did not improve, leading to him being carried off the field on a stretcher and later taken to an ambulance. His inability to continue batting and the need for a stretcher raise serious concerns about his fitness for the upcoming Tests.

Stokes’ hamstring issue comes after a difficult performance in the same match where he failed to take any wickets, with figures of 15-6-29-0. His return to the Hundred after a three-year hiatus was marred by this injury, casting doubt on his availability for England’s red-ball fixtures.

"It doesn't look great, unfortunately. I think he'll be getting a scan tomorrow, and we'll see how he is," Harry Brook added. 

"Ben Stokes is having his hamstring assessed. Further updates will be available from tomorrow [Monday]," a spokesperson from the Superchargers said.

England’s Test schedule and injury woes

The opening Test of the series against Sri Lanka is scheduled to commence on August 21 in Manchester. The subsequent Tests will be held at Lord’s on August 29 and the KIA Oval on September 6. England is already contending with the absence of their premier opener, Zak Crawley, who fractured his finger during the third Test against the West Indies. 

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With Stokes potentially sidelined, England's Test squad faces significant challenges, making their preparation and selection even more crucial as they look to finalize their lineup for the series against Sri Lanka.