Ben Stokes ruled out of Sri Lanka Test series, Ollie Pope to lead England

England captain Ben Stokes was ruled out of the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka on Tuesday because of a torn hamstring sustained during a domestic game.

The 33-year-old Stokes suffered the injury while batting for Northern Superchargers in The Hundred competition on Sunday, and was later seen on crutches. The all-rounder will thus be missing the 3-match Test series against the Lankan Lions.

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“The all-rounder is aiming to return for England’s winter test tour of Pakistan,” England said in a statement.

England’s vice-captain Ollie Pope will be the one leading the team in the Test series due to Stokes’ absence.