‘I wasn’t sure if I would ever walk out onto a field again’ – Ben Stokes pens heartfelt note on eve of first Ashes Test, remembers late father

The first Ashes Test match between Australia and England in Brisbane would mark Ben Stokes’ comeback in international cricket after a while. The all-rounder had taken an indefinite break from international cricket in July this year to prioritise his mental health and a fractured finger. With Stokes being one of the finest all-rounders going around, the spotlight will be on him when the two arch-rivals take the field at the Gabba in Brisbane on Wednesday (December 8).

Meanwhile, Stokes, on the eve of the game took to Instagram and penned a heartfelt note. Sharing a couple of pictures, the all-rounder remembered his late father Gred, who passed away on December 8 last year after a year-long battle with brain cancer. The all-rounder also revealed that he wasn’t sure of playing the gentleman’s game again a few months ago.

“I wasn’t sure if I would ever walk out onto a field ever again a few months ago,I find it amazing that when I do walk out tomorrow I’ll be remembering you exactly 1 year on since you left us….You are gonna be with me this whole week #ASHES,” Stokes captioned the post.

 

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You’ve got to trust Ben Stokes’ experience: Joe Root

Meanwhile, England skipper Joe Root said that the Three Lions would rely on Stokes’ experience in the high-profile series. However, he also asserted that the southpaw shouldn’t be burdened with expectations.

“Yes, there’ll be an element of managing expectations and you’ve got to trust his experience and our whole bowling group collectively that we can work together to take those wickets. I’m sure Ben will have a big say in that. It’s something we’ll definitely be trying to get right throughout the whole series,” said Captain Root in the press conference on the eve of the Brisbane Test.

Meanwhile, Stokes has been named in England’s 12-man squad for the opening clash and it would be interesting to see how he tackles the Aussie challenge at the Gabba.

England squad for 1st Ashes Test: 

Joe Root (c), Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Jos Buttler, Haseeb Hameed, Jack Leach, Dawid Malan, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood.