On the first day of the third Test match against India, England finished with a commendable score of 251 for 4. However, concerns arose regarding captain Ben Stokes, who appeared to suffer a groin issue late in the day, overshadowing the team's performance.

Stokes, who opted to bat after winning the toss, managed to remain at the crease until stumps, ending the day unbeaten on 39. Meanwhile, Joe Root is on the verge of achieving another milestone, sitting at 99 not out, just one run away from his 37th Test century and an unprecedented eighth at the iconic Lord's.

The injury to Stokes is particularly worrying given his ongoing battle with fitness issues. The 34-year-old underwent knee surgery earlier this year and has faced two significant hamstring injuries in the last eight months. Despite these challenges, he has recently returned to form as a vital all-rounder for England, especially in a crucial series like this.

With the series tied at 1-1 and the Ashes tour approaching next year, England's management is hoping that Stokes' injury is merely a minor setback.

Vice-captain Ollie Pope shared his concerns after the day's play, stating, "Fingers crossed it’s nothing too serious. He has the potential to make a significant impact, and we hope he can recover quickly for tomorrow's play."

Pope, who contributed 44 runs in the innings, highlighted the importance of managing Stokes' condition carefully. "He’s crucial for us, not just in this match but for the future as well. My role is to ensure he doesn’t overexert himself at this time. The medical team will devise a plan, and I’ll assist him in following it," he explained.

As for Joe Root, who is just one run shy of a century at Lord's, Pope expressed confidence in his teammate's ability to handle the pressure. "While he would prefer to be on a hundred not out, he has accomplished this 36 times before. I doubt he’ll lose much sleep over it," he remarked with a smile.

Pope added, "He will focus on the bigger picture—aiming to make this innings a match-defining one. If we can capitalize on this start and reach 400, or even close to 500, we’ll be in an excellent position."

The second day promises to be eventful, with Root chasing a personal milestone, Stokes' fitness under scrutiny, and England aiming to seize control in what is shaping up to be an exciting Test match.