Ben Stokes: England all-rounder likely to miss Ashes after second operation on finger

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Stokes' last Test in England was March, in India's 3-1 series loss

England all-rounder Ben Stokes, an England player, has had a second operation to repair his injured finger. However, he is not expected to play in the Ashes against Australia.

To protect his mental health, the 30-year-old took a break from cricket in July. He also needed to rest his index finger which was first hurt in April.

He had originally undergone surgery in April, but he has had to have a second operation to remove two screw heads and scar tissue.

The Ashes will begin in December.

According to the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), Stokes will undergo intense rehabilitation over four weeks.

However, he has not been given a time frame for his recovery from the injury nor for his mental health break.

Stokes only action this summer for England was in a three match one-day international series against Pakistan.

After his surgery, he returned to England earlier than expected. He was able to lead an under-strength England team after the Covid-19 epidemic. However, he played through the pain in his finger.

If Stokes were to be absent for the Ashes, it would be his second trip to Australia in a row. He had been absent from the 2017-18 tour after being arrested outside a Bristol nightclub.

This would be an additional blow to England's Ashes chances, as fast bowlers Jofra Arcer and Olly Stone have been ruled out due to injuries.

After positive talks with Cricket Australia regarding England players' conditions, the Ashes were closer to being confirmed Wednesday.