Ashes 2021-22: There Will Be An Element Of Managing Expectations From Ben Stokes: Joe Root

England Test captain Joe Root said that there will be many expectations from their star all-rounder Ben Stokes as they take on Australia in the first Test of Ashes, starting on Wednesday in Brisbane.

Stokes will make a comeback in the game after a four-month hiatus due to his mental health issues and also to recover from a finger injury he sustained during IPL 2021.

You’ve got to trust Ben Stokes’ experience: Joe Root

Root believes that his teammate will also deliver with the ball in the absence of senior bowler James Anderson.

“Yes, there’ll be an element of managing expectations and you’ve got to trust his experience and our whole bowling group collectively that we can work together to take those wickets,” Root said ahead of the first Ashes match in Brisbane.

“I’m sure Ben will have a big say in that. It’s something we’ll definitely be trying to get right throughout the whole series. We always know that when he gets into that game he’ll want to put his mark on it,” he added.

James Anderson is not going to play but he is fit: Jos Buttler

Anderson, who is England’s leading wicket-taker with 632 scalps from 166 matches, is rested for the first match to give him a long run in the series.

England’s vice-captain Jos Buttler said the decision to not play Anderson in the first Test is a precautionary measure.

“Just with the build-up everyone has had, the guys just want to make sure every one is perfect to go,” Butler stated.

“Jimmy’s not going to play but he is fit. Obviously, it’s a very long series and we want a guy like that to be available for as much of it as possible, so think it’s a bit precautionary. He bowled well yesterday and will bowl again today,” he added.

England will aim to win the Ashes after they lost 0-4 the last time they toured Australia in 2017/18.

Also Read: The Ashes 2021-22: More Than Anything, It’s Really Good To Just See Ben Stokes Back – Joe Root