Ashes 2021-22: Ben Stokes Keen On Playing Fifth Test Despite Injury

England all-rounder Ben Stokes expressed his desire to play in the fifth and final Test of the Ashes series despite suffering a low-grade tear in the SCG Test last week.

Stokes ended up batting in both innings but he looked in pain during the knock. He was moving around gingerly but ended up contributing with two half-centuries in the Test.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Stokes seemed keen on stepping out in Hobart for the final Test. “I want to play the 5th Ashes Test despite low-grade tear, but my position in the team as the specialist batter would depend on how my side strain responded to treatment,” he was quoted as saying.

Joe Root open to playing Ben Stokes as a specialist batter

Since the injury to Stokes might prevent him from bowling, skipper Joe Root insisted that if he is given the go-ahead, Stokes can definitely be included in the playing XI as a specialist batter.

“Certainly can pick Ben just as a batter, absolutely, and similarly with Jonny as well. He’s (Bairstow) been playing as a batter anyway. So I’d say we’ve got to just see where they’re at, see what their bodies can handle.”

“Jonny obviously has huge amounts of experience doing it. We need to see where he is at physically and then off the back of that we can make a decision,” Root stated.

England managed to salvage a draw in the 4th Test in Sydney in thrilling fashion. The fifth and final Test will begin on January 14.

Also, Read – Steve Smith Moves To No.3, Marnus Labuschagne Remains No.1 As ICC Reveals Latest Test Player Rankings