Breaking News: Ben Stokes Added To England's Ashes 2021/22 Squad

Star England all-rounder Ben Stokes has been included in England’s Ashes squad for the Australia tour scheduled to kickoff in December.

Earlier this month, after holding plenty of discussions regarding the Ashes tour, England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) named a 17-member squad led by Joe Root for the historic Test series.

I am ready for Australia: Ben Stokes

Stokes was initially missing from the squad as he was on an indefinite break from the game and also had an operation for his fractured left index finger.

The 30-year-old all-rounder said he is ready for the Australia tour and will be waiting to catch up with his teammates.

“I had a break to prioritise my mental wellbeing and I got my finger sorted,” Stokes was quoted as saying in a press release issued by ECB on its official website.

“I am looking forward to seeing my mates and being on the field with them. I’m ready for Australia,” he added.

Stokes took almost a three-month break from the game after he decided to prioritise his mental health at the end of July.

In that duration, he missed the yet to be completed Test series against India and is missing from England’s squad in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2021.

Ben Stokes has demonstrated how important he is to the England team: Ashley Giles

Ashley Giles, England Men’s Cricket Managing Director, said the player had called him to confirm his availability after being examined by the medical staff of the board.

“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,” 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.

“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,” he added.

Stokes played a brilliant knock of 135* against Australia in the third Test in Leeds during the 2019 Ashes at home.

Stokes heroics helped England to pull off a spectacular victory against a formidable bowling attack of the Aussies.

Also Read: Mark Wood Reveals That England Team Isn’t Thinking Too Much About Ben Stokes’ Return