Ben Stokes: Australia v England for the Ashes

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Stokes has played in 71 Tests, 101 one-day-internationals and 34 T20s for England

Paul Farbrace, former assistant coach for England, believes Ben Stokes' presence at this winter's Ashes series in Australia will "galvanise” tourists to Australia.

After taking a July break to tend to his injuries and prioritize his mental health, Stokes (30) has been added to England's squad.

Farbrace said that Farbrace "just brings so much," BBC Radio 5 Live reported.

"I believe it has really tipped the series into being a great series and I'm excited to see it."

After a second operation to repair a broken finger, Stokes received the all clear from his consultant and England and Wales Cricket Board.

After sustaining a broken index finger in April while playing for Rajasthan Royals in India's Premier League, he was unable to play in England's T20 World Cup squad. He has since recovered and had a second operation in October to remove two screws as well as scar tissue.

Farbrace, Warwickshire’s director of cricket, believes Stokes will give England "balance" in their quest to win the Ashes.

He said, "Each time England has picked a team this summer, they have tried and balanced a team with Ben Stokes."

"We were so lucky when I was involved in England that a lot of time, he would be available.

"[England captain] Joe Root will be back in the dressing area with [coach] Chris Silverwood.

"He has dealt with it"

Farbrace believes both the player and team have benefited from Stokes' withdrawal from England's five Test home series against India this summer.

Farbrace said that Farbrace made a brave decision and has successfully dealt with it.

"The England team has allowed him time and space, and the fact that he is now back with the group, I believe it will really galvanise the team.

"The way he is as an individual, he brings a lot confidence and calmness.

"We were impressed by how calm Jofra [Archer] was before the World Cup final super over, and that he continues to do that every day."

England's top run-scorer was Stokes in the 2019 series, scoring 441 runs at an average 55.12 and an unbeaten century, which helped to secure a memorable win at Headingley.

On 4 November, the Durham all-rounder and Test specialists will travel to Australia with the Supplemental Lions group.

The series of five Test Ashes will begin on 8/12 and finish on 18/01/

England team for Ashes tour

Joe Root (capt), James Anderson (wk), Jonny Bairstow (wk), Dom Bess (wk), Stuart Broad, Rory Burns (wk), Haseeb Hameed (dawid Malan), Dan Lawrence, Jack Leach.

Schedule