England Test captain Ben Stokes, who has been hampered by fitness issues in the past, was seen limping off while bowling on Day 4 of the first Test against New Zealand at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Sunday, December 1. He couldn’t complete the 58th over of New Zealand’s innings and bowled just three balls before walking away.

Stokes’ knee injuries have prevented him from playing as an all-rounder for the English side. He underwent surgery in 2023 but bowled just five overs during the five-match series in India.

He bowled 50 overs in three Tests against the West Indies at home. Due to a hamstring injury, he missed the series against Sri Lanka before returning for three red-ball games against Pakistan.

Stokes was unfit for the series opener in Multan. He bowled 10 overs in the second match before taking a break from bowling in the third and final Test.

In the first innings against New Zealand, he bowled 13 overs. He was into his seventh over when another injury hit him. Stokes looked in discomfort when he returned to the field.

New Zealand were bowled out for 254 runs in their second innings, and England completed the chase of 104 runs after losing just 2 wickets.

Stokes spoke about his fresh injury concern.

“I haven’t been in the middle for that much time in the recent past. It was a heavy week as I bowled 20 overs. I hurt my back while fielding,” he said.

“I think my body would be good for the upcoming matches and I am raring to go for Wellington,” he added. The second Test will start on December 6.