Ben Stokes, England’s captain and all-rounder, has been forced off the field during day four of the fifth Ashes Test in Sydney with a right adductor complaint, adding to England’s mounting injury concerns on a tour already plagued by fitness issues. The incident occurred early on Wednesday as Stokes pulled up mid-over, clutching his right groin, leaving his team without their inspirational leader at a crucial juncture of the match.

Stokes pulls up after just 10 deliveries on day four

Stokes bowled only 10 deliveries from the beginning of day four play on Wednesday before pulling up in his follow-through, holding his right groin in visible discomfort. He walked off injured in the middle of his 28th over of Australia’s innings, with the England camp confirming the skipper was dealing with an adductor concern.

“Ben Stokes is currently being assessed for a right adductor complaint. We will provide an update when more information is available,” England Cricket said in a statement.

Down 3-1 in the series, the tourists’ visit has been hampered by a number of injuries, with Stokes joining Gus Atkinson (hamstring), Jofra Archer (side strain), and Mark Wood (knee) as stricken fast bowlers on the tour. The injuries have significantly weakened England’s bowling attack and forced them to constantly reshuffle their plans.

Harry Brook takes over captaincy duties

Harry Brook took on captaincy duties in Stokes’ absence in the field, with England eventually bowling the hosts out for 567. Brook’s leadership was tested immediately as he had to manage the bowling changes and field placements without the guidance of his experienced captain.

Later in the second session of play, as England chipped away at Australia’s lead, team management confirmed that Stokes will bat but probably down the order, suggesting the injury would limit his mobility and impact with the bat as well.

England fight back despite early setback

England lost the early wicket of Zak Crawley (1) in their second innings at the Sydney Cricket Ground, though recovered through Jacob Bethell, who raised his bat for a half-century and stitched an 81-run second-wicket stand with Ben Duckett (42), who was castled by Michael Neser.

That brought Joe Root to the crease, and the Australians were on the money against England’s leading run-getter in Test cricket. Bethell found a way to keep the scoreboard ticking and raised his second fifty of this series. Root never looked comfortable and was eventually trapped lbw by Scott Boland for 6.

Brook joined Bethell and the duo batted positively to stitch a 57-run partnership, bringing the deficit down to nine runs with seven wickets left. England reached Tea in a promising position at 174/3, giving themselves a fighting chance despite the loss of their captain.

Can England save the Test without their captain?

With Stokes’ fitness now in serious doubt and England already trailing 3-1 in the series, the tourists face an uphill battle to avoid a heavy defeat in Sydney. The captain’s absence from the field has left a leadership void, though Brook’s calm approach and Bethell’s impressive batting have kept England in the contest.

The extent of Stokes’ injury and whether he can contribute meaningfully with the bat remains to be seen. England will need a remarkable effort from their remaining batters to chase down Australia’s imposing first-innings total and restore some pride in the final Test of a difficult tour.