England skipper Ben Stokes suffered a groin injury during the fourth day (Wednesday, January 7) of the fifth and final Ashes 2025-26 Test against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney. Stokes was forced to leave the field after picking up the issue, raising concerns for England in the ongoing match.
Australia are in control and look set to finish the Ashes with a 4-1 series win. They still need to bat well on the final day to seal the result. Jacob Bethell scored a memorable maiden first-class century. Beau Webster, playing his first Test of the home series, once again proved his value with a strong performance.
Ben Stokes Suffers Groin Injury on Day Four of Final Ashes Test in Sydney
Ben Stokes suffered a groin injury on day four of the final Ashes Test against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground. He pulled up while bowling early on Wednesday and left the field mid-over, with the team later confirming an issue with his right adductor.
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“Ben Stokes is currently being assessed for a right adductor complaint. We will provide an update when more information is available,” a short statement read.
Stokes could not bat in his usual position during England’s second innings. He eventually came in much lower down the order but struggled to move freely and scored just one run before getting out. England ended the day at 302-8 after a maiden Test century from Jacob Bethell.
Stokes, who has carried a heavy bowling workload throughout the series, is now unlikely to bowl on the final day. His fitness is a concern as England push for a win that could reduce their series deficit.
England captain Ben Stokes limped from the field with a groin injury on day four of the final Ashes Test against Australia.
The skipper, who has bowled 101.1 overs across the Ashes, would come to the crease at No 8 but, hobbled by the injury, lasted five deliveries for one run. pic.twitter.com/hLXbxjvxff
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) January 7, 2026
Ben Stokes Battles Injuries but Commits to England’s Future
Stokes has struggled with injuries for several years. Knee, hamstring, and shoulder problems have stopped him from playing a full role in England’s previous four Test series before this Ashes tour.
Stokes recently signed a new England central contract that runs until the end of the home Ashes in 2027. After England’s series defeat was confirmed this winter, he also said he wants to continue as captain.
Stokes took five wickets in the first innings of the opening Ashes Test in Perth. However, his batting has not matched that success. He played nine innings in the series without scoring a century in what could be his final Ashes series in Australia.
He’s Got a History of Injuries – Nasser Hussain on Ben Stokes
Former England captain Nasser Hussain has said that workload and team balance are the reasons behind Ben Stokes’s latest injury setback. Hussain added that Stokes plays the game at full intensity all the time and never holds back, which increases the physical toll on his body.
“He’s got a history of injuries, but that’s the way Stokes plays his cricket. He does everything 100 per cent, never eases into anything.
“He is a victim of probably his own, and his management team’s selections in this series. He’s bowled over 100 overs with a history of injuries, and it’s 35 degrees, 40 degrees on some pitches.
“There should be a spinner to bowl some overs at Sydney, should have been a frontline spinner for Adelaide. There wasn’t.
