Ben Stokes back in England team for the Ashes

England all-rounder Ben Stokes has been added to the side’s Test squad for the Ashes tour of Australia, beginning at The Gabba in Brisbane on December 8.

Stokes, who has been given the all-clear by his consultant and the England and Wales Cricket Board (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 November 4.

“The 30-year-old is ready to return to competitive cricket following his break from the game at the end of July to prioritise his mental wellbeing,” the ECB said in a statement on Monday.

Stokes had taken an indefinite break to tend to his mental wellbeing and also his injured finger earlier this year, but he recently returned to the nets, fanning speculation that he was ready to return to the England side.

I had a break to prioritise my mental wellbeing and I got my finger sorted, said Stokes on Monday. I am looking forward to seeing my mates and being on the field with them. I’m ready for Australia.

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