England Test captain Ben Stokes has resumed training with county side Durham in preparation for the upcoming Ashes series, set to kick off on November 21, 2023, in Perth. Stokes, 34, had been sidelined due to a shoulder injury that forced him to miss the final Test of the home summer against India at The Kia Oval. Initially expected to be out for around seven weeks, Stokes has now begun batting in the nets, signaling a positive step in his recovery.
Stokes’ Progress and Importance for England
Durham head coach Ryan Campbell shared insights on Stokes’ training progress during an appearance on BBC Radio 5 Live. He noted, “Over the last week, he’s started to hit balls and had a really good session. The batting side of things is going very well, but the bowling will take a lot longer. He is being treated very steadily.”
Campbell emphasized the crucial role Stokes plays in the Ashes series, stating that for England to win the series in Australia, Stokes must feature in all five Tests. The series will also include matches in Brisbane from December 4, Adelaide from December 17, Melbourne on December 25, and Sydney from January 4, 2024.
During the recent Test summer, Stokes showcased his all-rounder capabilities, taking 20 wickets in five matches at an impressive average of 24.05. He also marked a significant return to form by scoring 141 runs against India at Emirates Old Trafford, ending a two-year wait for a Test century.
Coaching Perspectives on Stokes’ Recovery
Campbell further praised Stokes’ work ethic, comparing him to Australian legends like Michael Hussey and Justin Langer. “The way he goes about his work to recover just blows me away. It’s why he is one of the greatest all-rounders that’s ever been,” Campbell remarked. He expressed some uncertainty about Stokes’ ability to handle the workload of five consecutive Tests, acknowledging the intensity of the series.
England head coach Brendon McCullum also spoke positively about Stokes, highlighting his determination to return to peak fitness. “He will be training his backside off as he always does,” McCullum said. “For us to be competitive down in Australia, a fit, firing, and motivated Ben Stokes is going to give us every chance.”
In addition to Stokes, Campbell shared encouraging news about England fast bowler Mark Wood, who has been recovering from a knee injury. Wood is expected to return to action for Durham against Worcestershire in the County Championship next week, further bolstering England’s prospects ahead of the Ashes.
As the series approaches, the focus will remain on Stokes’ fitness and readiness, as England aims to reclaim the Ashes for the first time since 2010/11. With key matches lined up, the performance of Stokes and his teammates will be crucial in their quest for success in Australia.
