England captain Ben Stokes is fit to resume batting on Day Two of the third Test against India after raising injury concerns on Thursday. Stokes, who ended Day One unbeaten on 39 alongside Joe Root (99*), appeared to struggle with a groin niggle during the final session at Lord’s. He required on-field medical assistance and showed discomfort while running between the wickets, casting doubt over his availability for the remainder of the Test. England were left slightly on edge as their skipper continued to bat with caution, rarely pushing for sharp singles. The team’s fears, however, have been eased as Stokes has been cleared to return to the crease on Friday morning. Teammate Ollie Pope, speaking to the media after stumps, had expressed hope that Stokes would bounce back. “Fingers crossed he can do something magic and come back strong,” Pope said, while stressing the importance of managing the captain’s workload ahead of two more crucial Tests in Manchester and London.
India too had injury concerns of their own after Rishabh Pant hurt his finger while collecting a leg-side delivery from Jasprit Bumrah. He did not return to the field for the remainder of the day, with Dhruv Jurel taking over behind the stumps.
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Though the BCCI confirmed Pant was receiving treatment and under medical supervision, no official word has been issued on his availability for the remainder of the match. At stumps on Day One, England were 251 for 4 in 90 overs. Joe Root remained unbeaten on 99 off 191 balls, while Ben Stokes was not out on 39 from 102 deliveries. Their unbroken 79-run stand for the fifth wicket helped England recover after India had struck twice in quick succession post-tea.