Trio sustained knocks during
Sydney TestSam Billings added to
England squad as wicketkeeping coverGraham Thorpe admits he does not know whether Ben Stokes, Jonny Bairstow or Jos Buttler will be fit for England’s Ashes finale in Hobart. All three sustained painful injuries during a taxing fourth Test in Sydney, with Stokes awaiting scan results on a side problem while Buttler (left index finger) and Bairstow (right thumb) both fear that X-rays will confirm fractures.
The trio will all be needed to dig deep and help their team scrap for a draw on day five, with England facing the prospect of 98 overs at the crease when they resume on 30 without loss and 358 adrift. But for one, two or all three of them, whatever effort they give could be their last contribution of the campaign.