Ben Stokes boosts England’s Ashes cause

Published October 26, 2021
In this Sept 7, 2017 file photo, England's Ben Stokes holds up the ball after taking his sixth wicket on the first day of the third test match between England and the West Indies at Lord's cricket ground in London. —AP
In this Sept 7, 2017 file photo, England's Ben Stokes holds up the ball after taking his sixth wicket on the first day of the third test match between England and the West Indies at Lord's cricket ground in London. —AP

LONDON: Talismanic all-rounder Ben Stokes has been added to the England squad for the tour of Australia later this year, delivering a huge boost in their bid to reclaim the Ashes.

The 30-year-old said he is refreshed after taking time out from the game both for his mental health and also underwent two operations on a fractured left index finger.

“I had a break to prioritise my mental wellbeing and I got my finger sorted,” said Stokes in an England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) statement on Monday.

“I am looking forward to seeing my mates and being on the field with them. I’m ready for Australia.”

Ashley Giles, managing director of England’s Men’s cricket, said Stokes’s return to the squad was terrific news but they needed to move cautiously.

“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,” Giles said.

“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.”

Stokes has not played for England since July when he cut short his injury rehabilitation to captain the one-day side against Pakistan at short notice following a coronavirus outbreak.

It had been thought he would miss both the ongoing Twenty20 World Cup and the Ashes but the Australians will now be on notice that England’s most likely match-winner will be facing them.

Published in Dawn, October 26th, 2021

Opinion

Editorial

Disregarding CCI
Updated 04 Nov, 2024

Disregarding CCI

The failure to regularly convene CCI meetings means that the process of democratic decision-making is falling apart.
Defeating TB
04 Nov, 2024

Defeating TB

CONSIDERING the fact that Pakistan has the fifth highest burden of tuberculosis in the world as per the World Health...
Ceasefire charade
Updated 04 Nov, 2024

Ceasefire charade

The US talks of peace, while simultaneously arming and funding their Israeli allies, are doomed to fail, and are little more than a charade.
Concerning measures
Updated 03 Nov, 2024

Concerning measures

The govt must seek political input and consensus on the changes it is seeking to make and be open about its intentions.
Short-lived relief?
03 Nov, 2024

Short-lived relief?

POLICYMAKERS must be jumping with joy. At the close of the first quarter of FY25, the budget posted a consolidated...
Brisk spread
03 Nov, 2024

Brisk spread

THE surge in polio cases has reached distressing levels with a tally of 45 last reported, after two cases emerged in...