Ben Stokes gives England a fresh injury scare as Test captain twists ankle in fitness training… putting doubts on his availability for January’s tour of India

Ben Stokes has given England a new injury scare ahead of January’s Test tour of India after twisting his ankle during fitness testing.

He was at Headingley last week undergoing assessment, leaving on crutches. England’s inspirational Test captain is booked for surgery on his left knee in the coming days in a bid to overcome a long-standing issue — he did not bowl a ball in the final three matches of the summer Ashes.

Suggestions are that the fresh damage is not a major concern, but he is already in a race to recover in time to join up with England’s pre-tour training camp early next year.

During the World Cup, Stokes spoke positively about his post-op recovery being between five to seven weeks, saying: ‘I don’t think the surgery is going to have any hindrance on me taking part in India.’

But it could delay his return to bowling until deeper into the five matches, which start in Hyderabad on January 25 and conclude in Dharamsala in March.