England all-rounder Ben Stokes suffered a left-side strain during day two of the fourth Test at SCG and he was seen in considerable discomfort on the field. He may have to sit out for the fifth and final Test of the ongoing Ashes 2021-22 against Australia in Hobart.

Stokes was treated for tightness in his left side just before lunch on the second day of the fourth test and, later, the scan revealed a side strain. However, Stokes hopes to be fit enough to play in the final Ashes Test against Australia, starting on January 14 in Hobart.

Notably, Stokes did not bowl in the second innings of the fourth Test, but the all-rounder made 66 and 60 to help England draw the match at the SCG on Sunday (January 9).

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Anderson told the BBC after the fourth Test on Sunday: “He's already saying that it feels a bit better. He's still got his sights on playing that fifth Test.”

He further mentioned that Stokes' willingness to play through the pain at the SCG showed how committed he was to the national team despite being 0-3 down in the Ashes series.

The legendary pacer said, “It shows what playing for this team means to him. Even though, we're 3-0 down. It would be very easy for him to say 'I've pulled my side; I'll go home and get it sorted'.”

Anderson signed off by saying, “If you've never pulled your side, you don't know what pain like that is like. Every breath, you feel it. There are certain movements that are really painful.”

 (With Reuters Inputs)