London: Ben Stokes says he is excited by the prospect of facing Australia In Ashes As he prepares to return after a long break to focus on his mental health and recover from a finger injury.
The 30-year-old, who hasn’t played any cricket since July, was added to Chris SilverwoodLast month’s 17-man squad.
Joe Root’s team will fly to Australia on Thursday for the five-Test series starting December 8. Brisbane And Stokes said he was eager to leave.
“I took it day by day and there was great support all around me,” Stokes told Sky Sports. I’m so excited to be out there and can’t wait to see everyone.”
The all-rounder’s comeback is a big boost for him Englandwho are seeking their first series win.down Under“Since 2010/11.
Stokes made his Ashes debut in 2013/14, scoring his first Test century in tough batting conditions in Perth, but failed to prevent a 5–0 whitewash.
He cemented his reputation as England’s talisman during the 2019 Ashes in England, hitting an unbeaten 135 as the home team successfully chased down a record fourth-innings target of 359 runs with one wicket remaining at Headingley.
Stokes had missed England’s last tour of Australia after being involved in a brawl outside a nightclub four years ago. He was later found not guilty of assault.
But the Durham player tried to downplay the importance of his return.
“One player doesn’t make a team,” he said. “Every member of that team is equally important. Everyone is capable of winning that match on their own.”
England captain Root also tried to dash the hopes about the all-rounder’s return.
“He has a lot of work to do to get himself back in the form of Ben Stokes, we all know,” the captain said.
“He is a huge asset. We will have periods of play where it will be very challenging.
“We’re going to grab the game from people with folded hands – he’s the kind of guy who will always do that.”
The 30-year-old, who hasn’t played any cricket since July, was added to Chris SilverwoodLast month’s 17-man squad.
Joe Root’s team will fly to Australia on Thursday for the five-Test series starting December 8. Brisbane And Stokes said he was eager to leave.
“I took it day by day and there was great support all around me,” Stokes told Sky Sports. I’m so excited to be out there and can’t wait to see everyone.”
The all-rounder’s comeback is a big boost for him Englandwho are seeking their first series win.down Under“Since 2010/11.
Stokes made his Ashes debut in 2013/14, scoring his first Test century in tough batting conditions in Perth, but failed to prevent a 5–0 whitewash.
He cemented his reputation as England’s talisman during the 2019 Ashes in England, hitting an unbeaten 135 as the home team successfully chased down a record fourth-innings target of 359 runs with one wicket remaining at Headingley.
Stokes had missed England’s last tour of Australia after being involved in a brawl outside a nightclub four years ago. He was later found not guilty of assault.
But the Durham player tried to downplay the importance of his return.
“One player doesn’t make a team,” he said. “Every member of that team is equally important. Everyone is capable of winning that match on their own.”
England captain Root also tried to dash the hopes about the all-rounder’s return.
“He has a lot of work to do to get himself back in the form of Ben Stokes, we all know,” the captain said.
“He is a huge asset. We will have periods of play where it will be very challenging.
“We’re going to grab the game from people with folded hands – he’s the kind of guy who will always do that.”
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