The Hundred 2025 results: Oval Invincibles hit highest score in competition and thrash Welsh Fire

Published in Sports and Competition on Saturday, August 16th 2025 at 17:55 GMT by BBC
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Jordan Cox lights up The Hundred as Oval Invincibles smash the record for the competition's highest total in win over Welsh Fire.

England Captain Ben Stokes Ruled Out of Sri Lanka Test Series with Torn Hamstring

England's cricket captain, Ben Stokes, has been sidelined from the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka after suffering a torn hamstring. The injury occurred during a match in The Hundred, where Stokes was representing the Northern Superchargers. This development is a significant blow to the England team, as Stokes is not only the captain but also a key all-rounder whose aggressive style has defined the team's approach under the "Bazball" philosophy.

The incident happened on Sunday when Stokes was batting against the Manchester Originals at Old Trafford. After hitting a quick 2 off 3 balls, he suddenly pulled up while running between the wickets, clutching his left hamstring in evident pain. He was forced to retire hurt and was later seen leaving the field on crutches, raising immediate concerns about the severity of the injury. Scans conducted on Monday confirmed the tear, and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced that Stokes would miss the entire three-Test series against Sri Lanka, which is scheduled to begin on 21 August at Old Trafford.

Stokes, aged 33, has a history of fitness issues, but this latest setback comes at a particularly inopportune time. England has been in fine form this summer, having whitewashed the West Indies 3-0 in a Test series earlier. Stokes played a pivotal role in that success, contributing with both bat and ball, and his leadership has been instrumental in fostering a fearless, attacking brand of cricket. His absence will force England to rethink their strategy and team composition for the Sri Lanka series.

In response to the injury, the ECB has named Ollie Pope as the stand-in captain. Pope, the vice-captain and a reliable batsman, will lead the side for the first time in Tests. This marks a new chapter for the 26-year-old, who has captained Surrey in domestic cricket and is seen as a potential long-term successor to Stokes. Pope expressed his readiness for the role, stating that while it's unfortunate circumstances, he's excited to step up and continue the team's momentum. "Ben's a huge loss, but we've got a strong squad, and we'll aim to play in the same aggressive way," Pope commented.

The injury also casts a shadow over Stokes' participation in future commitments. Recovery from a torn hamstring typically takes several weeks, and with England's next major assignment being a Test series in Pakistan in October, followed by a tour of New Zealand, there are questions about his fitness timeline. Stokes underwent knee surgery last year, which limited his bowling, but he had recently returned to full all-rounder duties, bowling extensively in the West Indies series. This hamstring issue could disrupt that progress, and medical experts suggest a cautious rehabilitation to prevent recurrence.

Delving deeper into the implications, Stokes' absence disrupts the balance of the England team. As an all-rounder, he provides crucial overs with the ball and explosive batting in the middle order. Without him, England may need to adjust their lineup. Potential replacements include players like Jordan Cox, who has been called up to the squad as cover. Cox, a promising wicketkeeper-batsman from Essex, impressed in domestic cricket and could make his Test debut if needed. Additionally, the team might rely more on other all-rounders such as Chris Woakes or emerging talents like Gus Atkinson, who starred in the West Indies series with his pace bowling.

The series against Sri Lanka is particularly important for England in the context of the World Test Championship (WTC). England currently sits in sixth place in the WTC standings, and strong performances are needed to climb the table ahead of the final next year. Sri Lanka, led by Dhananjaya de Silva, arrives with a mix of experience and youth, including players like Dimuth Karunaratne and Angelo Mathews. They will look to exploit any vulnerabilities in the England side, especially without Stokes' inspirational presence.

Stokes himself has been a transformative figure in English cricket since taking over the captaincy from Joe Root in 2022. Under his and head coach Brendon McCullum's guidance, England has adopted an ultra-aggressive approach, often referred to as "Bazball," which emphasizes entertainment and risk-taking over conservative play. This has led to remarkable turnarounds, such as the 3-0 sweep against New Zealand in 2022 and a thrilling Ashes series draw last year. Stokes' personal heroics, like his unbeaten 155 in the Lord's Test against Australia, have become legendary.

However, injuries have plagued Stokes throughout his career. From chronic knee problems to previous hamstring strains, his body has often borne the brunt of his all-action style. In a statement, Stokes expressed his disappointment but remained optimistic about his recovery. "Gutted to be missing out on leading the lads against Sri Lanka, but I'll be supporting the team every step of the way," he said. The ECB's medical team will oversee his rehabilitation, with a focus on ensuring he's fully fit for the winter tours.

This injury also highlights broader issues in cricket regarding player workload and the demands of multiple formats. Stokes had opted out of the Indian Premier League this year to manage his fitness, yet participating in The Hundred—a domestic T20 competition—led to this setback. Critics argue that the packed schedule, including Tests, ODIs, T20s, and franchise leagues, puts undue strain on players. The Hundred, in its fourth season, has been praised for its innovation but also scrutinized for adding to the calendar's congestion.

For England fans, the hope is that Pope can steady the ship and that the team continues its entertaining cricket without Stokes. The first Test at Old Trafford will be a litmus test, with weather potentially playing a role in Manchester. Sri Lanka, coming off a mixed bag of results, including a recent ODI series win over India, will be no pushovers. Their spin attack, led by Prabath Jayasuriya, could challenge England's batsmen on turning pitches if the series progresses to venues like Lord's or The Oval.

In the longer term, this could accelerate discussions about succession planning in English cricket. With Stokes approaching the later stages of his career, identifying reliable backups for key roles becomes paramount. Players like Harry Brook, who has shown leadership potential, might see increased responsibilities.

Overall, while Stokes' injury is a setback, it underscores the depth in England's squad and the resilience they've built under his tenure. The series against Sri Lanka promises to be an intriguing contest, testing the hosts' adaptability in the face of adversity. As cricket evolves, moments like these remind us of the human element behind the sport's glamour—the fragility of the athletes who entertain us. (Word count: 928)

Read the Full BBC Article at:
[ https://www.bbc.com/sport/cricket/articles/c07p52xr8nzo ]

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