England, who are enduring a tough run in the ongoing Ashes, suffered another huge blow on the Ashes 5th Test day 4 at Sydney Cricket Ground with Ben Stokes’s groin injury. England’s skipper had bowled only 10 deliveries before picking up the injury in the 3rd over of the day. This happened at the crucial juncture of the Test, and it was a significant blow to the visitors, who were already trailing the series 3-1, and another mediocre show in the 5th Test handed them a defeat as they concluded the Ashes 2025/26 with a 4-1 defeat. With more discomfort, England skipper later came back to bat, dropping himself to No.8 and could only manage one run before edging to Steven Smith at first slip of off-spinner Jeau Webster.

How Ben Stokes Picked Up the Injury?

Just bowling the 4th ball of the Ashes 5th Test day 4, Ben Stokes suddenly felt discomfort and wasn’t able to bowl further as he had picked up a groin issue, which was confirmed later by the England management. Stokes 34 has bowled the second most number of overs for England in the Ashes 2025/26 with 101.1 overs, taking 15 wickets, while Brydon Carse tops the list for the visitors with 130.4 overs, getting 22 scalps.

“What a sad sight that is… He had dreams of leaving this ground with the Ashes.”#BBCCricket #Ashes pic.twitter.com/JV636WMgQk

— Test Match Special (@bbctms) January 6, 2026

Ben Stokes’s groin injury was assessed later, and he is currently nursing a right adductor complaint. The England Test Captain, though, made it to the 5th day’s play, but couldn’t bowl. At the moment, the injury might not look too serious, but Stokes needs to rest properly to manage the workload.

Ben Stokes’s Injury History

For someone like Ben Stokes, who spends most of his time on the field as an all-rounder, requires more fitness. Although he is currently looking completely fit, the age factor and workload eventually catch up, leading to injury. Injury to Ben Stokes during the Ashes 5th Test Day 4 wasn’t the only instance in recent times the England test captain suffered; there were several times he was left out of the matches for the entire series, and also in the middle of the series.

Even Losing Ashes Series, Ben Stokes Is Still a Key Man for England

In collaboration with coach Brendon McCullum, Ben Stokes completely transformed the England Test team with an attacking brand of cricket, which is termed Bazball. Though the approach got the positive results early on, but later took a major hit with away losses. The duo is yet to achieve a Test series win against mighty India and Australia.

Two half-centuries but also six single-figure scores – we didn’t see Ben Stokes at his brilliant best with the bat 😔#AUSvENG #Ashes pic.twitter.com/fPcXIU6oaS

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) January 7, 2026

Ben Stokes is a great leader, there is no doubt about that, but he was criticised more often for his tactical decisions for picking the players according to the current strength, but not in terms of talent. But on the field, he is a real gem, and every team needs a player like him. He gives his best, be it with the bat or ball, and he is a generational player for England.

Concerns for England as captain Ben Stokes walks off injured in Sydney 👇#AUSvENG #WTC27https://t.co/OohIYzWvdo pic.twitter.com/CJmqWC1rf0

— ICC (@ICC) January 7, 2026

The Ashes results might not have gone England’s way, but Ben Stokes should continue as England Test captain at least until the next home Ashes, which is scheduled in 2027. He is a clutch player and has done exceptionally well in tough circumstances. Finding a replacement for him at the moment is extremely difficult for England.

Ben Stokes’ Future

With England failing to regain the Ashes Urn, has significantly mounted more pressure on Ben Stokes, who will be held responsible for the dreadful 4-1 loss. Constant backing for some of the players despite their underwhelming performances and playing an aggressive brand of cricket in unfavorable conditions are the main drawbacks under Stokes’ captaincy. Apart from that, he is a terrific team player, pushes everyone beyond their limits. He trusts his players and knows how to get the best from them.

Related Article：Breaking Down the Glory：Last Time England Won Ashes in Australia

“I have a ruthless side to me” — England captain Ben Stokes remains defiant after the Ashes loss and is not afraid to make changes in the future. pic.twitter.com/DfjtVXIFQB

— Cricket on TNT Sports (@cricketontnt) January 8, 2026

His batting wasn’t at its best during the Ashes 2025/26 as he managed 184 runs in 10 innings, which included 2 half-centuries. While he was exceptional with the ball through, providing breakthroughs consistently, and finished as the 3rd leading wicket-taker for England with 15 scalps. At the moment, Ben Stokes’ groin injury doesn’t seem too bad; however, there will be discomfort for sure, which is why the England Test captain didn’t bowl on the 5th day.