Ben Stokes confident of bowling in Ashes | Cricket News – Times of India

England captain Ben Stokes has expressed confidence in his ability to bowl against Australia in the upcoming Ashes series, stating that he has given himself the “best opportunity” to do so. Stokes has been managing a long-standing left knee problem that resurfaced during the tour of New Zealand in February.
During the recent Indian Premier League (IPL), Stokes had limited appearances for the Chennai Super Kings, bowling only one over for 18 runs. However, on the eve of England’s Test against Ireland at Lord’s, the 31-year-old remained optimistic about his chances of bowling when the five-match Ashes contest begins on June 16.
“The knee is in a much better place than it was in Wellington. I’ve been over in India for the IPL, and these last eight or nine weeks, I know I have got myself in a position where I can’t say I regret anything,” Stokes informed reporters.
“I have got myself into a place where I feel like in 2019, 2020 space in terms of my own body and fitness. I have definitely given myself the best opportunity (to bowl this summer). We know what it is (the problem) and now it is about managing it,” he further added.

Stokes had a standout performance during the previous Ashes series held in England four years ago, where his exceptional unbeaten century led England to an incredible one-wicket victory at Headingley, resulting in a series draw of 2-2.
When asked about the significance of the Ashes, Stokes replied, “It is just the history and what the Ashes is. We’re lucky enough as English players and Australian players to be the only ones able to play in it. It is one of those series that has got unbelievable history and will continue to capture the imagination of the whole world. We all know what the Ashes means.”
Prior to the highly anticipated Ashes series, Stokes and the team need to focus on their four-day Test against Ireland. England has selected three frontline fast bowlers, including debutant Josh Tongue, while James Anderson and Ollie Robinson have been rested ahead of the Edgbaston opener against Australia.

Speaking about Tongue, Stokes commented, “Tonguey has been someone who has been spoken about even since he first came on and played for Worcestershire. Having someone who is able to bowl with that extra pace so he can come on and change the way the game is going and have that X-factor is always great to have in your side.”
With Stokes confident about his fitness and readiness to contribute with both bat and ball, England will be eager to reclaim the Ashes urn against their long-standing rivals, Australia.
(With inputs from AFP)