IMAGE: England Check skipper Ben Stokes expects to be absolutely match for the Ashes. {Photograph}: Gareth Copley/Getty Photographs
England captain Ben Stokes expects to play a full half with the ball and bat as his facet start their Ashes preparations in earnest on Thursday with a four-day Check in opposition to Eire.
The state of Stokes’ knee has raised doubts about his capability to carry out the all-rounder position and it flared up within the drawn take a look at collection in New Zealand in February.
Stokes managed to bowl solely 9 overs within the two checks in opposition to the Kiwis however absolutely intends to be a part of England’s assault at dwelling to Australia.
So all eyes might be on the 31-year-old in opposition to Eire over the following 4 days at Lord’s.
“My knee is in a a lot better place than it was in Wellington,” Stokes instructed reporters at his pre-match press convention on Wednesday.
“I’ve received myself right into a place the place I’m not in a position to look again and remorse or say I’ve not given myself the perfect alternative to play a full position with the ball this summer time.”
Stokes continued to agonize by niggling accidents whereas showing twice for Indian Premier League facet Chennai Tremendous Kings this 12 months and managed to bowl just one over for them.
“I’ve received myself into a spot the place I really feel like I’m again at 2019, 2020 with my physique. Hopefully I can flip up day-after-day and bowl like I used to be in a position to do earlier than this little niggle,” he mentioned. “We all know what the issue is and it is about managing it with workload and the medical workforce, simply to get by way of it.”
With James Anderson and Ollie Robinson resting up forward of the Ashes as they get well from niggles, England will hand a debut to Worcestershire seamer Josh Tongue.
“Having somebody who is ready to bowl at that additional tempo and might come on and alter the place the sport goes, have that X-factor, is nice to have in your facet,” Stokes mentioned.
“I’m wanting ahead to getting him concerned.”
Eire have did not win any of their earlier six take a look at matches since gaining take a look at standing in 2017, however gave…
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