England Test captain Ben Stokes has made it very clear that his focus remains on Test cricket after the all-rounder missed out on the ICC Champions Trophy due to a hamstring injury. The southpaw is currently focusing on regaining full fitness ahead of the five-match Test series against India, which is set to start in June, and is set to miss The Hundred's 2025 edition.
As per a report in ESPNCricinfo, Stokes has also conveyed his decision to Northern Superchargers men's team coach Andrew Flintoff before taking this massive decision. In 2024, the England captain injured his hamstring while playing a match in The Hundred. As a result of this untimely injury, Stokes missed the home Test series against Sri Lanka and the first Test against Pakistan. While the all-rounder returned for England's Test tour of New Zealand, he again injured his hamstring during the third Test and required surgery.
To manage workload, Stokes has taken this massive decision and has decided to entirely skip England's premier white-ball tournament due to its schedule. The Hundred starts on August 5, just a day after the fifth Test against India ends at Kennington Oval, London.
Ben Stokes sets his priorities clear, focus on India & The Ashes series
Also, Stokes missing the white-ball tournament is a precautionary move to focus on two big assignments England has in store. After the Test series against India, England are also set to tour Down Under for the Ashes, which will begin on November 21. The England Test captain does not want to take any risks and is keen to give it his all for England in their two vital Test series.
