The time is rapidly approaching when England will discover whether the near super-human powers of Ben Stokes have extended to him healing the injury that continues to cast a shadow over the most anticipated Ashes since 2005.
Stokes’ left knee is the elephant in England’s room, more so even than Jofra Archer’s elbow, Jimmy Anderson’s groin, Ollie Robinson’s ankle and Olly Stone’s hamstring.
No-one can be sure if the captain will be able to play an all-round part in the series that will define his leadership and the longevity of ‘Bazball’ like no other until he takes to the field again this summer against Ireland at Lord’s next week - unless he deems it a warm-up match and decides to wait until the first Ashes Test on June 16.