Ashes 2021: Ben Stokes returns from break, added to England's squad

Ashes 2021: Ben Stokes added to England squad – Ben Stokes is all set to return from the indefinite break that he announced after the Pakistan series. On Monday, England and Wales Cricket Board added him to the Ashes squad that will leave for Australia in November.

Ben Stokes was given the all-clear by his consultant and the ECB medical team to resume training following his second operation on a fractured left index finger. He will depart with the Test specialists and the Lions on 4 November. The 30-year-old is ready to return to competitive cricket following his break from the game at the end of July to prioritise his mental wellbeing.

Ashes 2021: RR all-rounder Ben Stokes all set to return from break, added to England’s Ashes squad

“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,” Ben Stokes said.

Ben Stokes was out of action for nearly four months after suffering a finger injury in the first match of IPL 2021 for Rajsthan Royals. His services were missed greatly in the India series where India took a 2-1 lead after four matches. However, as the 5th Test now has been rescheduled and Ben Stokes is available, he is expected to feature against India in July.

🏏 🏏 🏏 pic.twitter.com/ToG82vrwTj

— Ben Stokes (@benstokes38) October 18, 2021

Ashes 2021: RR all-rounder Ben Stokes all set to return from break, added to England’s Ashes squad

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“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,” ECB Managing Director Ashley Giles said.

“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.

Ashes 2021: RR all-rounder Ben Stokes all set to return from break, added to England’s Ashes squad

“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.”

Michale Vaughan also reacted to this news and called it “the best news to wake up to”.

The best news to wake up too .. Ben Stokes back involved & on the plane to Australia .. 🙌🙌🙌 #Ashes

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) October 25, 2021