Ben Stokes was carried off injured during The Hundred after pulling up while batting for the Northern Superchargers against Manchester Originals.

Stokes was clutching the back of his left hamstring ahead of being taken off, an image England fans will not want to see just 10 days out from the start of the Test series against Sri Lanka.

Superchargers captain Harry Brook came out to replace the England Test skipper.

It looks to be the latest injury issue for Stokes after long-term knee issues plus a hip complaint.

Opening the batting as the Superchargers chased a target of 153, Stokes had faced just four deliveries when he went for a run from the non-striker’s end and then fell to the ground clutching his hamstring.

He was then carried off the field.

“This is an issue. This is a real issue,” said Sky Sports Cricket’s Michael Atherton on commentary.

“It does not look good.

“He has been in excellent physical condition this year. If you speak to him he has been fit, he has been lean, he has been bowling.

“I am assuming it is a hamstring not knee, the way he was clutching. It looks as though it has properly gone and this is a significant moment in the season.

“For England, he holds that team together as captain and as an all-rounder.”

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