Olly Stone contemplates retiring from Test cricket over persistent injury problems

England fast bowler Olly Stone is considering quitting from Test cricket after his latest tryst with an injury. This is the third time the pacer has gone under the knife for problems related to the back. Stone, who made his debut in red-ball cricket for England in 2019 against Ireland, has now been ruled out of the Ashes series starting on December 8 in Brisbane.

Amidst all the injuries in past, Stone remained optimistic about returning to playing Test cricket for England in a longer run. This latest injury though has put a huge doubt about his future in red-ball cricket. “I’ve given myself the best possible chance of doing everything I can to play Test cricket, and if it means I can’t, it would sit right with me if I have to call it a day in the longer format,” the 28-year-old said.

Speaking on the BBC’s Project Ashes podcast, Stone said he is seriously contemplating not making a comeback in Test cricket considering the history he has with injuries. “If I’m being honest, I’ve had to properly think hard about whether I want to try and get back out there and do it again.

“This time I felt like I’d done everything I can off the field: diet, nutrition, even just getting fitter and stronger. In the past, I thought it might have been a factor to why it [injury] was happening.”

Stone has only played three Test matches for England. The latest Test match he played was against New Zealand at Birmingham in June. The fast bowler took three wickets in that match. Overall, Stone has picked 10 wickets in his Test career. It remains to be seen if Warwickshire pacer has a change of heart and decides to play the longer format for England.