England captain Joe Root has copped a blow to the head from a fired-up Ben Stokes during training in a scary moment for the tourists just days out from the second Ashes Test.
Root was in the nets in the midst of a long spell from Stokes, who is trying to prove his fitness for the Adelaide Test after labouring through a knee injury in the series opener.
The star all-rounder collected his skipper on the head and the arm during his spell, leaving Root requiring ice after a gruelling batting session.
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Despite Root being on the wrong end of it, Stokes’ fiery spell was a welcome sight for England, who can ill-afford to be without him this series.
Stokes showed glimpses of his game-breaking ability in Brisbane, his first Test appearance since March, but made just five and 14 with the bat and was hit for 65 in 12 wicketless overs during Australia’s first innings.
“He obviously had a bit of a jar in his knee in the last game,” Root said of his teammate.
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“Hopefully it’s something he’s shaken off now, and he can get back to full intensity and all options are on the table. We will have to manage that and see where we are at.”
Stokes’ ability to shoulder more of a bowling load is considered vital to whether England will deploy a full pace attack in Adelaide, with Stuart Broad and James Anderson expected to return.