England fast bowler Olly Stone has been ruled out for up to 14 weeks following knee surgery, making him unavailable for most of the upcoming five-match Test series against India starting June 20.
The 31-year-old pacer, who last featured in a Test against Sri Lanka in 2023, had hoped to push for a national recall through strong performances with Nottinghamshire this season. However, recurring discomfort in his right knee during Nottinghamshire’s pre-season tour of Abu Dhabi led to further scans and ultimately, surgery.
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“England and Nottinghamshire fast bowler Olly Stone has been ruled out of all cricket for 14 weeks following scans and subsequent surgery,” the ECB confirmed in a statement on Friday. “He will now begin a period of rehabilitation, working closely with the medical teams at both the ECB and Nottinghamshire.”
Stone joins fellow England seamers Mark Wood and Brydon Carse on the injury list, dealing a blow to England’s fast-bowling depth ahead of a crucial home summer.
With the Zimbabwe Test on May 22 serving as a warm-up ahead of India’s visit, Stone’s absence reduces England’s pace options for a challenging five-Test campaign. While there is a remote chance of him returning for the final two Tests, a more realistic comeback is expected in August for the Hundred, where he is contracted with London Spirit.
Stone has 17 wickets from five Tests and 10 ODI caps for England, but injuries have frequently interrupted his international career.
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