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It has been a nightmarish Ashes tour for England. They just haven't got going in the series so far and after having already lost the five-match series by suffering a defeat in each of the firsh Three test matches, the problems for the visitors are set to increase. The Three Lions could miss both Jos Buttler and Ben Stokes for the final Test of the Ashes series in Hobart.
While both of them batted through injuries in the ongoing fourth Test match at the SCG, it is being learned that their tour could come to a premature end. The England all-rounder Stokes made a gritty 66 and after what seems to be a case of a side strain with Stokes, it looks like that New Zealand-born English cricketer will not be able to bowl in the second innings.
In addition, Jos Buttler is also likely to not keep wickets in the second innings after sustaining a left index finger injury. The right-handed batter was dismissed for a duck and looked like he was struggling to grip the bat properly.
Jonny Bairstow also a doubtful selection for the final Test of the Ashes
To add salts to their wounds, even centurion Jonny Bairstow has become doubtful for the final test match of the series after he received a blow to his thumb from Pat Cummins when the Englishman was batting on 60.
"It takes quite a bit to get me off the park," said Bairstow said at the end of Day's play on Friday.
"Yes, it was sore but the circumstances of the game, it was one of those where it was a decision I made to stay out there. The medics can give you advice but you’re playing in an Ashes Test match, New Year’s Test, Pink Test match at Sydney in front of a crowd, it’s going to take a lot to get you away from that," he added.
Consequently, Ollie Pope was seen practicing his wicket-keeping skills as he could be asked to come on as a substitute for Buttler.