Ben Stokes' ongoing fitness concerns add to England's problems

Chennai Super Kings head coach Stephen Fleming says bowling remains "a bit of a challenge" for the Test captain following a week during which three seamers went down injured

England's injury problems ahead of the Ashes are showing no sign of easing after Chennai Super Kings painted a bleak picture around the fitness of Test captain Ben Stokes.

Last week saw Jofra Archer withdraw from the Indian Premier League, Olly Stone be ruled out of the start of the international summer and James Anderson suffer a groin issue on County Championship duty for Lancashire.

Things are no better for Stokes, who has only played two IPL matches as part of his 16.25 crore (£1.62 million) contract at CSK due to injury and failure to force his way into the XI.

He arrived in India having had an injection to treat his long-running left knee injury, before picking up a toe issue.

It has been a frustrating IPL campaign for Stokes (R.SATISH BABU/AFP via Getty Images)

A frustrating campaign was added to by an undisclosed injury which was confirmed by CSK head coach Stephen Fleming.

Stokes' two appearances came against Gujarat Titans on March 31 as an outright batter and at home to Lucknow Super Giants on April 3 when he operated as an allrounder.

CSK conclude their group campaign on May 20 against Delhi Capitals before the playoffs, which Stokes has no plans to participate in. Ahead of what could be his final week a the tournament, Fleming has delivered another update regarding the 31-year-old's fitness.

"Ben's ability to bowl overs at the moment is still a bit of a challenge, but he's there as that batting cover," he said.

England's injury problems are mounting (Stu Forster/Getty Images)

"But with Moeen bowling well in good conditions - we go to Delhi [next] which has been turning - we think the balance of the side has been right.

"And look, we're second on the table, so it's not our style to chop and change just because we've had a loss where things didn't go our way. We won't do that. We might tinker with it but we're very focused on getting the right team for Delhi."

England's home international summer begins with a four-day Test against Ireland at Lord's, starting from June 1 - four days after the IPL final in Ahmedabad on May 28.

The Ashes commence on June 16 at Edgbaston, the start of a run of five Tests in six weeks.

Related Topics

• James Anderson's groin injury leaves England sweating despite Lancashire optimism
• Olly Stone out of England's first two Tests of summer due to hamstring injury
• Jofra Archer returns from IPL as England seek to manage fitness following elbow operation
• Ben Stokes suffers fresh injury setback to extend CSK absence

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