New Delhi: After announcing to take an indefinite break from cricket in July 2021, England all-rounder Ben Stokes is back in the game. Ben Stokes. will return to cricket after a four-and-a-half-month break in the first Test of the 2021-22 Ashes.
Confirming the same, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) issued a statement on Monday, it was confirmed that Stokes will travel with England's Test players and the Lions squad on November 4.
Stokes had taken an indefinite break since July 26 citing his mental health and was nursing a finger injury.
The 30-year-old Durham cricketer is ready to return to competitive cricket following his break.
“I had a break to prioritise my mental wellbeing and I got my finger sorted,” said Stokes, as mentioned by ECB.
“I am looking forward to seeing my mates and being on the field with them. I’m ready for Australia.”
“Stokes, who has been 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, will depart with the Test specialists and the Lions on 4 November,” said ECB in their statement on their website.
His comeback is a major boost to England's hopes of winning in Australia for the first time in 11 years.
The first Test is scheduled to take place at the Gabba in Brisbane from December 8.
England's full squad for The Ashes: Joe Root (captain), James Anderson, Jonathan Bairstow, Dom Bess, Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Jos Buttler, Zak Crawley, Haseeb Hameed, Dan Lawrence, Jack Leach, Dawid Malan, Craig Overton, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood and Ben Stokes.