The Ashes: England captain Ben Stokes suffers groin injury on day four of final Test against Australia in Sydney

England captain Ben Stokes limped from the field with a groin injury on day four of the final Ashes Test against Australia and now appears unlikely to bowl on the final day in Sydney.

Stokes, who has been his side's most reliable bowling option throughout a difficult trip, taking 15 wickets at average of 25.13, pulled up after 10 balls on Wednesday morning at the SCG with Jacob Bethell concluding his over.

The 34-year-old departed for the dressing room mid-over, with a team spokesperson later confirming a groin issue.

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A short statement read: "Ben Stokes is currently being assessed for a right adductor complaint. We will provide an update when more information is available."

Stokes hobbles out to bat - but now looks unlikely to bowl

The skipper - who has bowled 101.1 overs across this Ashes series - then did not bat in his usual position at No 6 during England's second innings with Will Jacks promoted to that sport before being dismissed for a second-ball duck after an awful hack to midwicket.

Stokes would come to the crease at No 8 but, hobbled by the injury, lasted only five deliveries before being dismissed for one run as England closed day four on 302-8, leading by 119 after Bethell's superb maiden Test ton.

The captain will now probably not feature on Thursday as England target a victory that would cut their deficit in the series to 3-2, with Bethell saying: "I don't think it bodes too well for him bowling."

Stokes becomes the fourth English seamer to break down during the campaign with Mark Wood (knee) sent home after one Test, Jofra Archer (side) managing three and Gus Atkinson (hamstring) departing ahead of the series finale in Sydney.

The England captain has had to overcome knee, hamstring and shoulder injuries over the last few years, which had left him unable to play a complete part in the team's previous four Test series ahead of The Ashes.

Stokes recently signed a new England central contract, committing himself to the side until the end of the home Ashes in 2027, and he said after this winter's series defeat was confirmed that he wanted to stay on as captain.

The all-rounder's next action is likely to be the home Test series against New Zealand in June as he currently has no white-ball cricket planned, although he could possibly play County Championship cricket for Durham before then.

Hussain: No wonder Stokes' body snapped

Sky Sports' Nasser Hussain on injured England captain Ben Stokes:

"He's got a history of injuries, but that's the way Stokes plays his cricket. He does everything 100 per cent, never eases into anything.

"He is a victim of probably his own, and his management team's selections in this series. He's bowled over 100 overs with a history of injuries, and it's 35 degrees, 40 degrees on some pitches.

"There should be a spinner to bowl some overs at Sydney, should have been a frontline spinner for Adelaide. There wasn't.

"So who has to do the bulk of the work? As usual, Stokes. Your new-ball bowlers aren't hitting line and length, so who has to? Stokes.

"By the end of the fifth Test, his body snapped, and it will do because he throws himself into it. But he wouldn't have it any other way."

Ashes series in Australia 2025-26

Australia lead five-match series 3-1

• First Test (Perth): Australia won by eight wickets
• Second Test (Brisbane): Australia won by eight wickets
• Third Test (Adelaide): Australia won by 82 runs
• Fourth Test (Melbourne): England won by four wickets
• Fifth Test (Sydney): Sunday January 4 - Thursday January 8