Ben Stokes 'touch and go' for second Test v Sri Lanka

Omnisports

May 22, 2016 10:47 AM

Andrew Strauss says Ben Stokes is a major doubt ahead of England's second Test with Sri Lanka.

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Ben Stokes is "touch and go" for England's second Test with Sri Lanka after injuring his knee during the opening game of the series at Headingley.

The all-rounder bowled seven overs in Sri Lanka's first innings – taking 1-25 – but was hindered by discomfort in his left knee during Friday's evening session.

Stokes did not feature with the ball in Sri Lanka's second innings and left the field early on Saturday as Alastair Cook's side dismissed the tourists for 119, following their 91 first time around for an innings and 88-run victory.

Captain Cook conceded Stokes' participation for the second match at Durham - his home ground - was in doubt, and director of England cricket Andrew Strauss has suggested he could be left out anyway to ensure a full recovery.

"[There is] no specific news, obviously he was struggling yesterday," Strauss told BBC Radio Five Live's Sportsweek.

"The plan is to see how he is today [Sunday] before making any firm decisions on that.

"I think at this stage it feels like it is a bit touch and go for Friday but we kind of know what he is like, you have to drag him off the pitch kicking and screaming, but obviously we're mindful of a busy summer ahead.

"So we'll have a look today, see how he pulls up and make a decision after that."

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