Ben Stokes showed significant physical strain on the final day of the fourth Test, letting out a moan of effort as he bowled to Shubman Gill. His right arm hung limp between deliveries and he massaged a sore shoulder, adding to earlier problems with a cramping calf and right thigh.
Despite his struggles, Stokes produced an excellent spell that accounted for KL Rahul, but he could only offer his left hand for congratulatory taps. Jofra Archer also appeared in discomfort, his first ball clocking just 80mph, and he later received painkillers after feeling his torso.
England are expected to cancel their scheduled training session at the Oval on Tuesday. Since 18 June, the teams have spent 28 of 40 days playing or training, and if the final Test goes the distance, that figure will rise to 35 of 48 days.
The workload has been especially heavy for bowlers. Stokes has bowled more overs than in any previous series, while Chris Woakes has never been asked to do more in a bilateral series. Brydon Carse also reached unfamiliar territory by the second day at Lord's.
There are concerns that some of these players may not be fit to bowl at the Oval, with Archer's cautious reintroduction to Test cricket likely to rule him out. Mohammed Siraj, meanwhile, is on course for his most work-intensive series.
