[Watch] ENG vs IND 2025: Ben Stokes returns to bat after retiring hurt earlier in Manchester Test, fans breathe a sigh of relief

England fans would have had their hearts in their mouths when Ben Stokes walked off the field while batting in the third session on Day 3 of the fourth Test at Old Trafford, Manchester. The England captain tried to play a reverse sweep off Washington Sundar and was subsequently seen holding his left leg. However, he continued batting alongside Joe Root and scored his 36th half-century in the longest format of the game.

Before the start of the 115th over of the England innings, there was a hold up in play as Stokes wanted to get some fluids to fight what seemed like cramps. At the end of the over, the seasoned campaigner decided to walk off the field. He was seen slightly limping up the stairs to the dressing room. The southpaw was batting on 66 off 116 deliveries at that point. This was the first time he retired hurt in international cricket.

Watch video of Ben Stokes walking off the field below:

Stokes would come out to bat in the 130th over, after England lost the wickets of Joe Root, Jamie Smith, and Chris Woakes. He received a huge ovation from the spectators at the picturesque venue.

Stokes knows the importance of stretching England’s lead as much as possible. With some balls keeping low and others bouncing awkwardly from a length, the Three Lions would not want to chase too big a total in the fourth innings. They have already taken a lead of 175-plus runs, with Joe Root starring with a magnificent 150 off 248 balls.

On Day 3, Ollie Pope was dismissed for a fluent 71, while Harry Brook failed to get a start. The Root-Stokes partnership yielded 142 runs off 215 balls before the talismanic all-rounder had to retire hurt. England have got themselves into a pretty strong position in the Test match. They are already leading the five-match series 2-1, and a win in Manchester will help them take an unassailable lead, before the final Test, which is set to be played at The Oval in London.

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