England test captain Ben Stokes pulls out of The Hundred 2025 to focus on the Ashes

Ben Stokes is currently recovering from a hamstring injury.

England test captain and star all-rounder Ben Stokes has withdrawn from The Hundred 2025 to focus on his fitness ahead of England’s crucial test season, which includes the Ashes scheduled to take place in Australia later this year.

Stokes was ruled out for at least three months after tearing his hamstring during the third and final test of England’s tour of New Zealand in December 2024 and underwent surgery in January 2025. He is currently sitting out England’s Champions Trophy campaign in Pakistan.

The Hundred is scheduled to begin on 5 August 2025, which is just a day after the conclusion of England’s five-match home test series against India.

Ben Stokes pulls out of The Hundred 2025 to focus on the Ashes:

Stokes has made this decision to keep himself fully fresh ahead of the Ashes 2025, which will get underway in November 2025. After a slump in limited-overs cricket, England will shift their focus to the Ashes – a series they haven’t won since 2015.

Despite the hype of Bazball, England have failed to qualify for the final in any of the three ICC World Test Championship (WTC) editions so far. Their campaign in the WTC 2023-25 was a disappointing one as they finished fifth with PCT of just 43.18.

Earlier, Ben Stokes had withdrawn from the SA20 2025, where he was set to represent MI Cape Town. He was also not part of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction and will miss the cash-rich league for next three years.

The Ashes 2025 schedule:

Nov 21, Fri – Nov 25, Tue – Australia vs England, 1st test, Perth Stadium, Perth

Dec 04, Thu – Dec 08, Mon – Australia vs England, 2nd test, The Gabba, Brisbane

Dec 17, Wed – Dec 21, Sun – Australia vs England, 3rd test, Adelaide Oval, Adelaide

Dec 26, Fri – Dec 30, Tue – Australia vs England, 4th test, Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne

Jan 04, Sun – Jan 08, Thu – Australia vs England, 5th test, Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney

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