England Cricket Board has finally given a confirmation that all-rounder Ben Stokes will be featuring in the Ashes 2021. It will mark his return to mainstream cricket after keeping himself out of the spotlight following his index finger injury. After recovering from it, he had issued a message on all social media platforms that he is taking a break from cricket to focus on his mental health.
The decision had come at the time when Tennis star Naomi Osaka had also pulled out of some major competitions owing to Mental Health issues and it was the talk of the town. However, things have now improved a lot and Ben Stokes has himself confirmed that he is ‘Ready for Australia’.
“I had a break to prioritise my mental wellbeing and I got my finger sorted,” Stokes said. “I am looking forward to seeing my mates and being on the field with them. I’m ready for Australia.”
Ashley Giles, the director of England’s men’s cricket said: “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.”
Ben Stokes set to play in Ashes as he makes his return to International cricket
