Ben Stokes is ready to bat and bowl like it is 2019 after giving himself the ‘best chance’ where his knee and fitness are concerned.
The England Test skipper’s verdict on his physical health will be music to fans’ ears after watching him hobble and stumble through his last match against New Zealand in Wellington.
Worries that a spell at the IPL with the Chennai Super Kings might harm his Ashes chances with an increased workload never materialised as he spent most of the tournament on the sidelines with a toe injury and then unable to break into the successful eleven. It meant he was able to focus on rest and rehabilitation for his body and has arrived at Lord’s to face Ireland in the best possible shape.
