Joe Root thought Ben Stokes was bluffing people with his appearance at Heathrow Airport

England skipper Joe Root has cleared that he thought Ben Stokes was just playing a joke when he turned up at Heathrow Airport with England kit bag. There were speculations that he was travelling down under to join England squad for the ongoing Ashes. Though it was later revealed that he was on a personal trip to New Zealand and will now also play domestic cricket for Canterbury. However, Root believes that nothing is in their hands and they need to prepare without him as of now.

Stokes has been currently suspended for his involvement in the street brawl outside the nightclub in Bristol a couple of months ago. He was also withdrawn from the touring England squad by ECB. Root led side missed their premier all-rounder in the first Test when the match was hanging in balance and eventually lost the game by 10 wickets. Though there is every possibility that Stokes might travel down under for the third Test in Perth in case he is cleared from the case.

I would love to have him back

Joe Root, ahead of the second Test in Adelaide, has made it clear that he would love to have Ben Stokes back in the side. “When I saw the pictures, I was wondering whether he was going on holiday with his England bag just to wind people up. From my point of view, anytime you can have Ben in your side it would be great. But I would personally love to have him back. As a team, we’d love Ben to be part of the squad,” he told reporters.

The 26-year-old also praised the all-rounder for being eager to make his comeback as he will play domestic cricket in New Zealand come this weekend. “Travelling to play in New Zealand just shows how much it means to him to play for England and how desperate he is to do well for his country. It is testament to his character. Fair play to him to do everything he can to get himself in the best possible place to play cricket again,” he continued.

However, Root conceded that they have been preparing for the ultimate clash without him and need to continue doing that. “But we have to move forward and make sure guys stand up. These things are completely out of our hands and we just have to move on. All of our planning and preparation has been without Ben and how we go about things won’t change. Without the investigation being closed or moving forward, he won’t be able to play for England.

“So whether he’s here in Australia or in New Zealand or back home, the stance is the same. Until that changes there is no point in thinking otherwise. I know these things can take time,” he concluded. The second Ashes Test is all set to commence on December 2 in Adelaide and it will also mark the first ever Ashes Day-Night Test in Men’s cricket.