Stokes Unfased by Injury, Vows to Keep Pushing Limits

England captain Ben Stokes addressed concerns about his workload following a hamstring injury during the third Test against New Zealand. Despite the setback, Stokes insisted he has no intention of holding back, emphasising the risks every athlete faces when playing. 

Stokes sustained the injury on day three as New Zealand built a massive second-innings total, setting England a target of 658. Although forced to miss the final day, Stokes noted the injury felt less severe than his torn hamstring in August, which had ruled him out of four Tests. He will undergo a scan in Hamilton to determine the extent of the issue. 

Reflecting on his recovery, Stokes highlighted his recent efforts to return to all-rounder duties, bowling 36.2 overs in the Test, his highest workload in over two years. His performance in the series — averaging 52.66 with the bat and taking seven wickets at 36.85 — signalled progress, making the setback especially disappointing. However, Stokes remained optimistic, confident that rehabilitation this time would be quicker. 

Despite ending the year with a loss, Stokes praised his team’s achievement in claiming a 2-1 series victory, marking England’s first Test series win in New Zealand since 2008. Acknowledging New Zealand’s competitiveness, he expressed pride in England’s performances in the first two matches, noting their inability to replicate those standards in the final Test. 

He acknowledged that it was disappointing to end the series with a defeat but emphasised that their main goal was to win the series, which they successfully achieved against a very strong team in their home conditions.