Olly Stone sidelined for 14 weeks after knee surgery

England fast bowler Olly Stone will miss most of the upcoming five-Test series against India after undergoing knee surgery that will keep him out for 14 weeks.

Stone, who last played for England in a Test against Sri Lanka in September, had been targeting a strong season with Nottinghamshire to push for a national recall. However, his latest injury setback means he will face a lengthy recovery period as the county season begins on Friday.

The 30-year-old pacer joins fellow England quicks Mark Wood and Brydon Carse on the sidelines at the start of the domestic campaign.

“England and Nottinghamshire fast bowler Olly Stone has been ruled out of all cricket for 14 weeks following scans and subsequent surgery this week, which confirmed a right knee injury,” the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said in a statement.

“Stone experienced increasing discomfort during Nottinghamshire’s pre-season tour of Abu Dhabi last month. Further scans conducted this week revealed the need for surgery. He will now begin a period of rehabilitation, working closely with the medical teams at both the ECB and Nottinghamshire.”

England will host Zimbabwe in a one-off Test starting May 22 before facing India in a five-match series from June 20. While Stone could theoretically recover in time for the final two Tests, his return is more likely in August when he is expected to feature for London Spirit in The Hundred.

(Source: AFP)