Olly Stone ruled out of selection for Zimbabwe, India Tests after undergoing knee surgery

England fast bowler Olly Stone has been ruled out of the upcoming Test matches against Zimbabwe and India this summer after undergoing surgery on his right knee. The 31-year-old pacer, who experienced increasing discomfort during Nottinghamshire’s pre-season tour of Abu Dhabi last month, will now undergo a 14-week rehabilitation program.

The scans confirmed a need for surgery, and Stone will miss six Test matches, beginning with Zimbabwe’s one-off Test at Trent Bridge on May 22. He will also be absent for the five-match series against India, which starts on June 20. Despite this setback, Stone is targeting a return in The Hundred, where he is set to play for London Spirit.

This injury adds to a series of unfortunate fitness issues that have plagued Stone’s career. He made his Test debut against Ireland at Lord’s in 2019 but suffered back stress fractures in each of the following three summers. These injuries limited his Test appearances to just two matches against New Zealand and India in 2021. Last summer, the right-arm bowler finally returned to England’s Test squad after a three-year absence, only for another injury to disrupt his progress.

Also read: 'I will make the players more accountable for their fitness' - Charlotte Edwards on becoming head coach of England women's team

His recent absence from the England Test team was due to personal reasons, as he went back home from Pakistan for his wedding. In the 2023 home season, he played two Tests against Sri Lanka, taking seven wickets, but did not feature in the Test tours of Pakistan and New Zealand.

Stone’s injury further weakens England’s fast-bowling unit, which is already struggling with fitness concerns. Mark Wood has been ruled out for four months following knee surgery, while Brydon Carse is dealing with a long-term toe injury. Additionally, England captain Ben Stokes is recovering from hamstring surgery and is trying his best to be fit for the Zimbabwe Test.

With the Ashes and other key Test series ahead this year, England will have to manage their resources carefully, ensuring that their pace attack remains competitive despite these setbacks.