Cricket News By TODAYLIVESCORE.INFO - 'Ready for Australia' - Stokes primed for Ashes return. Stokes will depart with the Test specialists on November 4 for the Ashes.
Stokes will depart with the Test specialists on November 4 for the Ashes.
Allrounder Ben Stokes has made himself available to play international cricket again and has been promptly added to England's Ashes touring party that will depart for Australia on November 4.
Stokes, who was carrying a left index finger fracture while on an indefinite break to look after his mental wellbeing, has been given all-clear by his consultant and the ECB medical team to resume training following a second operation.
“I had a break to prioritise my mental wellbeing and I got my finger sorted,” Stokes was quoted as saying by the ECB. “I am looking forward to seeing my mates and being on the field with them. I'm ready for Australia,” he added.
“Following a very successful operation on his finger and several conversations over the last few weeks between Ben and I, our medical staff and his management team, Ben called me to say he was ready to return to cricket and was excited about the prospect of playing a significant role in the Ashes series,” said Ashley Giles, Managing Director of England men's cricket.
“Time and time again, Ben has demonstrated how important he is to the England team and having him available for the Ashes series is excellent news for all of us and, in particular, Chris (Silverwood), Joe (Root) and the rest of the players.
“Having not played for some time, we will move forward cautiously over the next few weeks to ensure he is fully prepared across all facets of his game.
“Ahead of a very busy period of cricket, we continue to remain mindful of the stresses on all our personnel, and our primary focus continues to be the wellbeing of all of our players and support staff.”
The five-match Ashes kicks off with the first Test in Gabba, Brisbane, from December 8.
Updated Squad: Joe Root (C), James Anderson, Jonathan Bairstow, Dom Bess, Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Jos Buttler, Zak Crawley, Haseeb Hameed, Dan Lawrence, Jack Leach, Dawid Malan, Craig Overton, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood
