ECB withdraws Chris Woakes from The Hundred following Ben Stokes' injury

The 35-year-old will miss Birmingham Phoenix's remaining two group-stage matches in The Hundred as the ECB has pulled him as a precaution for the upcoming Sri Lanka Test series. This follows Test skipper Ben Stokes’ suspected hamstring injury, which casts doubt on his availability for the series opener against Sri Lanka on August 21 at Old Trafford.

Chris Woakes missing out could be a blow for Birmingham Phoenix, who are still fighting for a top-three finish in The Hundred. Despite a current three-match winning streak, including a victory over the Rockets, their spot in the playoffs remains uncertain.

Meanwhile, the Phoenix are positioned third in the table with ten points and a net run rate of +0.324, having won five out of seven games. England’s opening Test against Sri Lanka is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, August 21, at Emirates Old Trafford, with Lord’s and Kennington Oval hosting the remaining two Tests.