England all-rounder Ben Stokes says he’s “fit and hungry for a big series” ahead of the first Ash test in Brisbane; The 30-year-old has not played competitively since July after taking an indefinite hiatus from cricket to focus on his mental health and recovery from a finger injury.
Ben Stokes has declared himself fit and ready for the first ash test in Brisbane
Ben Stokes has declared himself “fit and hungry for a great series” before the first Ash test.
The off-roader was not named to the original England squad for the upcoming series after taking an indefinite hiatus to focus on his mental health and recovery from a broken finger, but was subsequently added to the group in October.
He then suffered a forearm injury in a net session a few days ago as the team continued preparations for the first Test against Australia in Brisbane, which begins December 8; Captain Joe Root later said of that incident that Stokes “seems to have gotten over it pretty well.”
A post on Stokes’ official Instagram account on Wednesday showed him working with the bat and ball.
And in an attached message, he said: “Don’t call it a comeback. I spent some time finger testing with @adidasLondon last month.
“Two months ago, I couldn’t hold a bat. With a week to go to the first test, I’m fit and hungry for a great series in Australia!”
Meanwhile, England spinner Jack Leach has indicated that the return of Stokes and the presence of Chris Woakes, another all-rounder, gave him some confidence to be selected for the team.
Leach, speaking to reporters after the second day of England’s preparation game against the England Lions was eliminated, said: “Since the summer, the answer was that Stokesy was not on the side, he did not have that full option in top order, made it difficult for me to get into the side.
“So I think having him back is great. Also having Woakes back … both back is hopefully positive to be able to fit into a spinner, for sure.”
Leach and Stokes combined to help England claim a close win over a field at Headingley during the Ashes series drawn in 2019.
Leach smiled when asked if he would ever tire of hearing about his undefeated score of one on that occasion, when Stokes posted 135 not out.
“I’m not fed up with the one that hasn’t come out, I don’t think I ever will be, but I suppose I want to continue performing for England (and) that’s what it comes down to,” he said.