England skipper Joe Root has said that one of the most discussed names in the squad for the upcoming Ashes series, Ben Stokes would be fit for the first Test of the series starting December 08 at Gabba in Brisbane. Root said Stokes has looked “promising” and he should be fit and raring to go for the first Test that will set the tone for a highly-anticipated Ashes series.
"I really hope so," Root responded to the question on Stokes’ availability for the first Test. "It's been remarkable to see how far he's come. It looks very promising. He's been brilliant. We've seen him at training, having him back amongst things is always great, so it's really nice to have him back involved."
Notably, Stokes was not part of the initial squad for the series and he was added into it after he declared his readiness to come back from an “indefinite break” from the game due to a complicated finger injury and mental health issues.
Joe Root also addressed the concerns over Stuart Broad’s fitness. Who missed the last three Tests of the series against India and would have missed the final one as well had Covid-19 not disrupted the series.
He said that Broad is bowling in the nets and is slowly getting on to the path of return towards full fitness. He ruled that bowlers are pulling up nicely and all should be ready for the first Test to give him “all options on the table”.
"He bowled today in the nets again, very light workloads at the minute, but it's good to see him back in and around things, and being able to get into it," Root said. "It's about getting those workloads back up again, with all the bowlers really, making sure that they are absolutely ready to go for that first Test match. We've got all options on the table."
It will be Joe Root’s second chance at winning the Ashes series in Australia as the captain of the England side. He had also led the side in the 2017-18 series but Australia were too strong for them and they ended up losing the series 3-1.