Australian batter Steve Smith has talked up Ben Stokes ahead of the upcoming Ashes series as the English all-rounder makes a much-awaited return to cricket.
Earlier this year, Stokes had taken an indefinite break from cricket, citing mental health reasons. He was also nursing a fracture to his left index finger. The all-rounder has received a green light from both his counsellor and the medical team. This is why he is set to play for England again.
The 30-year-old has announced that he will be available for the Ashes, scheduled in December 2021 and January 2022. Former Aussie captain Smith has admitted that he is ‘glad’ that his former Rajasthan Royals teammate is making a comeback to competitive cricket.
Learn more 👉 ”I’m ready for Australia”, says Stokes after being added to England’s Ashes squad
Speaking to Sydney Morning Herald, Smith admitted that he is “glad that Stokesy has been able to get his finger sorted, and I saw some footage of him the other day back batting so good signs.”
Smudge could relate to the pain a cricketer goes through when he is not fully fit and cannot perform to his potential. He himself went through a similar phase earlier this year and also spoke about Kane Williamson’s discomfort at the moment due to an ongoing tennis elbow problem.
Both Stokes and Smith have a long way to go before they hang their boots, but the pair have already made some iconic contributions for their respective teams in the Ashes. Smith recognises how Stokes’ addition to the England team makes for an intriguing series as it adds to the quality of cricket.
“Any team is more dangerous when you’ve got someone like Ben Stokes playing. It certainly adds a lot to their depth, but we’re excited, and I’m glad, personally, that he’s able to be back playing some cricket. It makes for a really good series,”
Stokes is an important cog to Joe Root’s Test side as he provides immense balance to the team. Stokes is equally competent in all formats of the game, but he is imperative to the test side as England has a couple of quality all-rounders for the shorter form.
The first test will be played at the Gabba on December 8, the Boxing Day match is set to be played in Melbourne, and the final test will commence on January 14 in Perth.
