Ben Stokes returns to England Men’s Test squad for the Ashes tour

(Cricket news) England all-rounder Ben Stokes has been added to the Test squad for the Ashes tour after receiving an all-clear by his consultant and ECB’s medical team to resume training after fracturing his index finger. The 30 year old had also taken a break from cricket to focus on his mental well-being at the end of July this year. “I had a break to prioritise my mental wellbeing and I got my finger sorted. I am looking forward to seeing my mates and being on the field with them. I’m ready for Australia,” said Stokes.

Managing Director of England Men's Cricket, Ashley Giles, 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.

"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."

England Men's Test Squad – Ashes Tour of Australia 2021-22:

Joe Root (Yorkshire) Captain, James Anderson (Lancashire), Jonathan Bairstow (Yorkshire), Dom Bess (Yorkshire), Stuart Broad (Nottinghamshire), Rory Burns (Surrey), Jos Buttler (Lancashire), Zak Crawley (Kent), Haseeb Hameed (Nottinghamshire), Dan Lawrence (Essex), Jack Leach (Somerset), Dawid Malan (Yorkshire), Craig Overton (Somerset), Ollie Pope (Surrey), Ollie Robinson (Sussex), Ben Stokes (Durham), Chris Woakes (Warwickshire), Mark Wood (Durham).

England's Ashes tour of Australia 2021-22 Itinerary (subject to change):

November 2021

4 November:

Test specialists and Lions depart.

December 2021

8-12 December:

1st Test, Australia v England, Gabba, Brisbane

16-20 December:

2nd Test, Australia v England (D/N), Adelaide Oval, Adelaide

26-30 December:

3rd Test, Australia v England, MCG, Melbourne

January 2022