Ahead of the Ashes, there are fresh injury concerns for England Test captain Ben Stokes, who is currently serving as “batting cover” due to his inability to bowl, according to his coach at Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League. Stokes has played only two matches for Chennai since being purchased for $1.96m in early April, and he has been sidelined due to a toe injury. Prior to the IPL, he was already dealing with a left knee issue. On April 21, Chennai coach Stephen Fleming mentioned that Stokes had suffered “another little setback,” but did not provide specifics.

Fleming confirmed on Sunday that Stokes still cannot bowl, and there are reports that he may return to the UK following Chennai’s final group match this weekend, even though the team appears to be in a strong position for the next round. “Ben’s ability to bowl overs at the moment is still a bit of a challenge, but he’s there as that batting cover,” Fleming said.

The balance of the side is right with Moeen Ali bowling well in favorable conditions, said the former New Zealand captain and coach of the Chennai Super Kings, Stephen Fleming. Despite losing their last game, Chennai Super Kings won’t change the team’s makeup as they are currently placed second in the Indian Premier League.

However, England’s Ashes campaign has faced another setback after Jofra Archer’s exit from IPL last week due to an injury, and there are concerns over James Anderson’s fitness as well. England is set to host Ireland in a one-off Test beginning on June 1, followed by the Ashes series starting on June 16 in Birmingham.