Jonny Bairstow spearheaded England’s fightback after scoring a sensational century in the ongoing fourth Test match of the Ashes 2021-22 series. Amidst all the action on Day3, bad news came for the England fans on Friday. If reports are to be believed, both Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler are likely to miss the fifth and final Test of the Ashes 2021-22 series.
Ben Stokes suffered a side strain while bowling on the second day of the Test match. Stokes didn’t bowl thereafter and won’t be bowling for the rest of the match. Though, his injury is yet to have any formal assessment. Ben Stokes batted wonderfully on the third day of the Test. He stitched a crucial partnership between Jonny Bairstow and scored 66 runs off 91 balls.
Jos Buttler, on the other hand, had a scan on his left index finger. His injury is likely to prevent him from keeping in Australia’s second innings. Jos Buttler once again fell cheaply on day 4 of the fourth Test. He batted eight deliveries and didn’t manage to score a single run during his knock. His dismissal put further pressure on England and left them in trouble at 173 for 6.
Jonny Bairstow, who scored a century on Friday, is also likely to be an injury doubt after taking a nasty blow to the thumb from Pat Cummins. He was batting on 60 at that stage. “It takes quite a bit to get me off the park,” said Bairstow. “Yes, it was sore but the circumstances of the game, it was one of those where it was a decision I made to stay out there. The medics can give you advice but you’re playing in an Ashes Test match, New Year’s Test, Pink Test match at Sydney in front of a crowd, it’s going to take a lot to get you away from that.”
Ollie Pope, who isn’t part of the playing XI, is likely to play as a substitute and keep for England in Australia’s second innings.
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