Ashes: According to ESPNcricinfo, England captain Ben Stokes left the field during the first session of Day 4 of the current fifth and final Ashes Test match against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Wednesday due to a groin injury.

The England camp confirmed that Stokes was battling an adductor issue when he stepped off hurt in the midst of his 28th over of Australia’s innings.According to ESPNcricinfo, an ECB official said that Ben Stokes is now undergoing evaluation for a right adductor problem. “We will provide an update when more information is available.”

Vice-captain Harry Brook assumed leadership duties in Stokes’ absence as the Three Lions dismissed Australia for 567 in their first innings.

Earlier on Day 4, Australia responded to England’s first innings total of 384 by starting with 518/7 in 124 overs. With Smith (129 off 205 balls, with 15 fours and one six) and Beau Webster (42 off 58 deliveries, including four boundaries) undefeated at the crease, the hosts enjoyed a 134-run advantage.

But after being swept out for 567 runs in their first innings with a lead of 183, the hosts added 49 more runs to their overnight total. Steve Smith, the captain, scored 138 from 220 balls, including one six and sixteen fours. Beau Webster used seven boundaries to score 71 off 87 deliveries. With 163 runs off 166 balls, 24 fours, and one six, Travis Head was the leading scorer.

England’s second innings got off to a bad start. In the first over, opener Zak Crawley was out. He was removed for a single run by speedster Mitchell Starc. Ben Duckett and Jacob Bethell, however, made sure that no wickets were lost as the visitors reached lunch at 80/1.

Earlier in the game, England chose to bat first and were dismissed for 384 runs in 97.3 overs. Ben Duckett (27 off 24 balls, with five boundaries) and opener Zak Crawley (16 off 29 balls, with three fours) forged a 35-run partnership for the first wicket. After hitting two fours and 10 runs off 23 deliveries, Jacob Bethell left.

Joe Root’s outstanding 160 off 242 deliveries, including 15 fours, and Harry Brook’s 84 off 97 balls, which included six fours and one six, formed a 169-run partnership for the fourth wicket.

Then, when England surpassed 350 runs in the first innings, Root stitched a 94-run partnership with wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith, who hit 46 off 76 balls with seven boundaries. Speedsters Scott Boland (2/85), Michael Neser (4/60), and Mitchell Starc (2/93) were among Australia’s wicket-takers.

Brief Results: Australia: 567 (Travis Head 165, Steve Smith 136, Josh Tongue 3/97, Brydon Carse 3/130) against. England: 384, 80/1 (Joe Root 160, Harry Brook 84, Michael Neser 4/60, Scott Boland 2/75).