The England camp is confident that they can reclaim the Ashes, with opening batsman Rory Burns saying on Sunday that the return of the talismanic Ben Stokes has provided a “massive boost” to the squad.
England hasn’t had much Test success in recent months, losing home series to New Zealand and India, and they haven’t won the Ashes since 2015.
Also Read; Ahead of the West Indies series Marina Iqbal optimistic of Pakistan’s chances
However, the late inclusion of Stokes, who has not played cricket since July due to a finger injury and mental health issues, has lifted the squad, according to Burns.
“Obviously, it’s a massive boost to have Stokesy back in the side,” Burns said from the Gold Coast luxury resort where England’s Test players, who arrived in Australia on Saturday, are serving a 14-day quarantine.
“You already know what a great player he is. Having a guy of his caliber back in our group is a huge boost for us.
“It’s exciting because we wanted to come out here with the best side possible, and obviously Ben contributes to that.”
Stokes, 30, is a proven match-winner, and his unbeaten 135 in a record run chase at Headingley carried England to a stunning one-wicket victory, tying the 2019 Ashes.
“Obviously, it’s a massive boost to have Stokesy back in the side,” Burns said from the Gold Coast luxury resort where England’s Test players, who arrived in Australia on Saturday, are serving a 14-day quarantine.
“You already know what a great player he is. Having a guy of his caliber back in our group is a huge boost for us.
“It’s exciting because we wanted to come out here with the best side possible, and obviously Ben contributes to that.”
Stokes, 30, is a proven match-winner, and his unbeaten 135 in a record run chase at Headingley carried England to a stunning one-wicket victory, tying the 2019 Ashes.
England has sent a backup squad to Australia to provide the opposition in two warm-up games before the first Test begins on December 8 in Brisbane.
The second test begins on December 16 in Adelaide, followed by the Boxing Day test in Melbourne, Sydney beginning on January 5 and Perth beginning on January 14, subject to quarantine requirements.
Members of England’s Test squad currently competing in the T20 World Cup — Jos Buttler, Jonny Bairstow, Dawid Malan, Chris Woakes, and Mark Wood — will travel to Australia after the tournament from the UAE.
Leave a Reply