England Get Boost As Stokes Trains And Wood Nears Ashes Return

Post by : Mumtaaz Qadiri

England cricket fans have received good news before the start of the Ashes series. Test captain Ben Stokes has resumed training, and fast bowler Mark Wood is close to making his return to competitive cricket. These developments have given England a huge lift as they prepare to face Australia in the famous Ashes battle.

Stokes Returns To Training

Ben Stokes had missed the final Test against India earlier this year because of a shoulder injury. He hurt his shoulder during the fourth Test at Old Trafford and could not recover in time for the last match at The Oval. Now, reports confirm that Stokes has started batting in the nets, which is a very positive sign for England.

Durham Coach Shares Update

Durham head coach Ryan Campbell gave more details about Stokes’ progress. He said that the England captain had been hitting balls in training and was showing good signs. Stokes reportedly had a two-hour batting session with teammates Scott Borthwick and coach Will Gidman. Campbell said that while Stokes’ batting recovery was going well, his bowling would take longer to return to full strength.

Stokes’ Importance To England

Campbell also explained how crucial Stokes is for England’s chances in the Ashes. He said that Stokes adds depth to the batting line-up and is also a very effective bowler. His role as a third or fourth seamer gives England flexibility and balance. According to Campbell, Stokes’ work ethic and determination to recover are inspiring. He called him one of the greatest allrounders in cricket history.

The Big Question On Fitness

Even though Stokes is pushing hard, Campbell admitted there is still a big question. Can Stokes play all five Tests in a row in Australia? The Ashes series demands high physical effort, and Stokes will have to manage both his batting and bowling workload. Campbell said Stokes will try his best, but it is uncertain if his body will allow him to last the entire series.

Mark Wood Close To Action

Another good sign for England is the return of fast bowler Mark Wood. He has not played since February due to a knee injury that required surgery. Now, he is very close to returning to competitive action. Ryan Campbell said he hoped Wood could play for Durham as early as next week. This would be great for both the county team and for England as they prepare for the Ashes.

Wood’s Role For England

Mark Wood is one of England’s fastest bowlers. His ability to bowl at extreme pace makes him a dangerous weapon, especially on Australian pitches that are known for their bounce and speed. If Wood is fit, he will provide vital support to England’s bowling attack and increase their chances of competing strongly against Australia’s batting line-up.

Adil Rashid Rules Out Test Return

While England received positive updates on Stokes and Wood, leg-spinner Adil Rashid gave a clear answer about his future. He confirmed that he has no plans to return to Test cricket. Rashid last played a Test in January 2019 and has since focused completely on white-ball cricket. Even though he never officially announced retirement from Test matches, he made it clear that he will not be available for the Ashes.

Why Rashid Said No

When asked what he would do if Ben Stokes asked him to return for the Ashes, Rashid replied firmly that his answer would be no. He explained that he has been comfortable with his role in white-ball cricket over the last seven years and does not want to change that now. Rashid said he has finished with red-ball cricket and is focused on prolonging his career in limited-overs formats.

Comparing With Moeen Ali

Rashid’s decision is different from Moeen Ali’s situation in 2023. Moeen had retired from Test cricket but came back when Ben Stokes requested him to play in the Ashes. Rashid, however, does not see himself making such a return. He said that younger spinners are coming through in England and they will do a good job in the upcoming series.

Rashid’s Long Career In White-Ball

Rashid is one of England’s most experienced players in one-day and T20 cricket. He has played more than 300 matches across formats for England. Recently, he played in the ODI series against South Africa, which England lost 2-1. Rashid continues to play a key role with his spin bowling in white-ball matches.

Rashid’s Age Factor

At 37 years old, Rashid is already thinking about how long he can continue. He turns 38 in February, the same month when the T20 World Cup will be played in India and Sri Lanka. Rashid wants to keep playing as long as possible but knows age is becoming a factor. He said that he is taking his career series by series, but he has hopes of continuing until he is 40 or 41.

England’s Upcoming Matches

England’s immediate focus is the three-match T20 series against South Africa. The first game will be played in Cardiff, followed by matches at Old Trafford and Trent Bridge. These games are an important step in England’s preparation for the T20 World Cup, which is only five months away.

Future Tours Before World Cup

After facing South Africa, England will tour Ireland later this month for more T20 games. They will then travel to New Zealand in October for another three-match series. Finally, they will play Sri Lanka in a three-match T20 series before heading into the World Cup. These matches will allow England to test different players and strategies before the global tournament.

Why The Ashes Remains Special

Even though England are also planning for the T20 World Cup, the Ashes series against Australia holds a special place in cricket. It is one of the oldest and most famous rivalries in the sport. For many fans, winning the Ashes is the ultimate achievement. That is why the return of Stokes and Wood is so important for England’s hopes.

England’s Balancing Act

England will need to balance their focus between limited-overs cricket and Test preparations. The return of Stokes and Wood gives them confidence, but fitness management will be key. Rashid’s absence from red-ball cricket means that England will rely on other spinners in Australia. Every decision will matter as England tries to win back the Ashes on Australian soil.

England Ready To Fight

England has good reasons to feel hopeful before the Ashes. Ben Stokes is back in training, Mark Wood is nearly fit, and both are determined to give their best. Adil Rashid has ruled out a Test return, but England still has enough talent to compete. With a busy schedule ahead, the team is working hard to prepare for both the Ashes and the T20 World Cup. Fans can look forward to an exciting few months of cricket.

Ben Stokes Recovery, Mark Wood Comeback, Adil Rashid Decision