England recently banished the ghosts of Leeds 2014, when they routed Sri Lanka by an innings and 88 runs in the first Test of the three-match series. But their happiness took a blow ahead of the second Test match at Chester-le-Street, as Ben Stokes has been sidelined with an injury.
Chris Woakes has been named as Stokes' replacement for the second Test match. Stokes, who has been extremely efficient with both bat and the ball, in all formats of the game for England, underwent a scan on Sunday. Afetr seeong the report, the medical team has stated that Stokes will be unavailable for selection for the second Test against Sri Lanka in Durham.
"England all-rounder Ben Stokes will miss the second Test at Emirates Riverside after sustaining a left-knee injury during England's first Test victory at Headingley," an ECB statement read.
"Following a scan yesterday and review by the medical team, it was advised that Stokes would be unavailable for the match in Durham. The 24-year-old will be reviewed by a consultant tomorrow, to decide on a management plan."
Woakes will look to earn his seventh Test cap for England. The last time he played for England was back in January, in Centurion against South Africa. England lost that particular Test matchm but went on to win the series.
Nottinhamshire seamer Jake Ball is another who will want to take Stokes' place in the team, and with it make his Test debut.
