Opted out of IPL 2025 mega auction to manage his workload, Ben Stokes suffers hamstring injury again and leaves field while Kane Williamson scripts history

The incident took place in the 55th over of New Zealand's second innings during the second session. Stokes was hit for a boundary by Rachin Ravindra. Right after bowling the short of length delivery, he held his left leg and left the field. Young left-arm spinner Jacob Bethell completed his over.

It is unclear whether Stokes will walk out to bat in the run chase or not. In the first innings, he scored 27 runs as England were bowled out for 143.

Even if the extent of injury is less, it may prevent Stokes from bowling long spells or just play as a pure batter in the side. Earlier, a knee injury did not allow Stokes to bowl. This is a huge blow for England. In his absence, Ollie Pope led the side in home series against Sri Lanka and the series opener in Pakistan.

Williamson scripts history

Meanwhile, Kane Williamson continued his purple patch at home. He scripted history by scoring his fifth consecutive century in Hamilton. He became the first batter to score five consecutive centuries at a single venue. Several legendary players including Don Bradman, Sunil Gavaskar, Jacques Kallis and others have four consecutive centuries at a single ground.

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This was Williamson's 33rd Test century. He is now level with Steve Smith and Alastair Cook. He is also level with Marnus Labuschagne for the second spot in the list of most centuries in WTC history. This is his 11th WTC century. The top spot belongs to Joe Root with 18 centuries.