Stokes opened the bowling on the fourth morning but bailed out after four balls of his second over, admitting defeat with a grimace after attempting to shake off the discomfort. England captain Ben Stokes (centre) looks in pain and holds his groin after picking up an injury on day four of the fifth Test in Sydney (Robbie Stephenson/PA). For Starc it was a fourth first-over success in five Tests, with Crawley’s partnership with Duckett averaging just 19 runs and 22 deliveries. Both he and Duckett were surprised by sharp bouncers, Duckett just evading contact but Bethell copping a blow on the helmet. Smith was waiting to gather a regulation chance when Cameron Green leapt in front of him and juggled the catch.

Source: Express January 07, 2026 02:13 UTC