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Ben Stokes retired hurt on Day 3 of the crucial fourth Test at Old Trafford, walking off after scoring a gritty 66 as England continued to pile on the pressure against India. The England skipper called time on his innings late in the day, handing over the baton to youngster Jamie Smith.Stokes had played a composed knock, scoring 66 off 116 deliveries, including six boundaries, at a strike rate of 56.90. As he left the field, there were visible signs of discomfort — a slight limp as he walked off and climbed the steps to the dressing room. While the exact nature of the issue remains unclear, supporters will be hoping that it is nothing more than a cramp.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel.SUBSCRIBE NOW!With England in a commanding position and enjoying a hefty first-innings lead, Stokes’ decision to retire appeared precautionary. However, with the match still delicately poised in the context of the series, fans and team management alike will be hoping the injury is not serious.Importantly, under cricket’s laws, Stokes is eligible to resume his innings later, should England require him to bat again in their first innings. A similar scenario unfolded earlier in the Test, when India’s Rishabh Pant retired hurt on Day 1 before returning to bat the following day — earning a standing ovation from the Old Trafford crowd.
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England will now wait and watch over their captain’s fitness, with Day 4 set to bring more clarity. For now, the focus shifts to whether Jamie Smith and the rest of the lower order can stretch the lead further, or if Stokes will be needed once again.
