Ben Stokes

Picture Credit: Twitter/@englandcricket

Star England all-rounder Ben Stokes who is currently on a break from cricket to take care of his mental well-being is set to return to action in the upcoming Ashes series. The decision has been confirmed by the England and Wales Cricket Board who have added Stokes to England's Ashes squad set to tour Australia.

Stokes has also received clearance from his consultant as well as the ECB medical team after which he can resume his training. Notably, the Durham cricketer underwent a second operation on a fractured left index finger from which he was recovering. The left-handed batter will thus leave with the team for Australia on November 4.

"I had a break to prioritise my mental wellbeing and I got my finger sorted," said Stokes as quoted in an official ECB release.

"I am looking forward to seeing my mates and being on the field with them. I’m ready for Australia," he added.

Meanwhile, ECB's Managing Director and former English spinner Ashely Giles revealed that Ben called him to say that he was ready to return to cricket and even expressed his excitement to him for the Ashes series.

"Following a very successful operation on his finger and several conversations over the last few weeks between Ben and I, our medical staff and his management team, Ben called me to say he was ready to return to cricket and was excited about the prospect of playing a significant role in the Ashes series," Giles was quoted in the same release.

"Time and time again, Ben has demonstrated how important he is to the England team and having him available for the Ashes series is excellent news for all of us and, in particular, Chris (Silverwood), Joe (Root) and the rest of the players," he added.

However, it's been a while since Stokes played competitive cricket, his last game dating back to July 26, and the ECB will now help him be in the best of preparations before he plays the first Ashes Test. The ECB also reinforced that since they have a packed cricketing schedule ahead, their focus is on the well-being of their players and support staff.