Olly Stone Out for 14 Weeks After Knee Surgery, to Miss England’s Summer Tests

England’s injury list grows longer as fast bowler Olly Stone is sidelined with another setback ahead of Zimbabwe and India Tests

England pacer Olly Stone has been ruled out of action for 14 weeks following surgery on his right knee, dealing another blow to the national side’s fast-bowling reserves ahead of a busy Test summer. The 31-year-old, who last featured in the Test side against Sri Lanka in 2024, will miss the home series against Zimbabwe and India.

Injury Confirmed After Pre-season Discomfort

Stone began feeling discomfort during Nottinghamshire’s pre-season tour to Abu Dhabi last month. Follow-up scans this week confirmed that surgery was necessary. The England and Nottinghamshire medical teams will now oversee his rehabilitation, which is expected to stretch into August.

The right-arm pacer was scheduled to start the summer in England’s first Test against Zimbabwe at his home ground, Trent Bridge, on May 22. He will now miss that fixture and the subsequent five-match Test series against India. However, Stone is aiming for a return in time for the Men’s Hundred, where he is contracted with London Spirit.

A Career Hindered by Injuries

Stone’s absence is another chapter in his injury-troubled career. Since his Test debut against Ireland in 2019, he has battled multiple back stress fractures and limited appearances. He missed the 2019 Ashes, played just two Tests in 2021, and spent three years outside the Test setup before a return last summer.

Despite being selected for tours to Pakistan and New Zealand in the 2024-25 winter, he didn’t feature in any of the matches. His return home midway through the Pakistan tour for his wedding – planned well before his recall – left him without a chance to solidify a place in England’s red-ball squad.

England’s Pace Woes Continue

Stone’s injury adds to England’s growing list of pace concerns. Mark Wood has also undergone knee surgery and will be out for four months. Brydon Carse remains unavailable due to a persistent toe issue. Meanwhile, captain Ben Stokes is racing against time to recover from hamstring surgery in order to be fit for the Zimbabwe Test.

England now face the daunting prospect of taking on Zimbabwe and India with a depleted pace attack, putting the onus on emerging bowlers and fringe players to step up in a high-stakes summer.

Stay updated with all the cricketing action, follow Cricadium on WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Telegram, and Instagram