England captain Ben Stokes was compelled to retire hurt after scoring 66 on Day 3 of the fourth Test against India at Old Trafford on Friday, July 25. As per BBC reports, the 34-year-old was battling cramps and had no choice but to leave the field mid-innings.
Stokes walked off after completing the 116th over, bowled by Ravindra Jadeja, bringing an abrupt halt to what was shaping into a crucial knock. His departure dealt a blow to England’s momentum during a dominant phase of play.
Ben Stokes has retired hurt on 66 ❌
England fans will hope that it's just due to cramp and not something more serious… pic.twitter.com/rIay3VB4ED
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 25, 2025
Wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith came in to partner Joe Root at the crease after Ben Stokes retired hurt, becoming the second player in the match to do so. Earlier, Indian wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant had to leave the field on Day 1 after being struck on the right toe by a full delivery from Chris Woakes.
The 27-year-old was taken off the field in a golf cart but returned to bat on Day 2, scoring 54 runs and helping India post a total of 358 in their first innings. However, he was unable to continue as wicketkeeper for the remainder of the Test, with Dhruv Jurel taking over behind the stumps.
Jamie Smith replaces retired hurt Stokes as England pile on runs in Manchester
The Indian bowlers were made to work hard all day by the hosts on a pitch that had become much easier for batting. Joe Root and Ollie Pope stitched together a 144-run partnership for the third wicket, pushing India on the defensive.
After Pope was dismissed for 71, Root built another strong 142-run stand for the fifth wicket, this time with Ben Stokes, who later retired hurt and walked off. India did pick up the wickets of Pope and Harry Brook in quick succession, but those were the only brief highlights for them.
England dominated throughout the day, making the visitors chase the ball under clear skies in Manchester. Joe Root reached his 38th Test century and went past Ricky Ponting’s Test run tally. At stumps, England were 504/5 in 121 overs, ahead by 146 runs.
Get the latest cricket news here, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates.