Ben Stokes Returns to Training, Boosting England Ahead of Ashes Series

England cricket captain Ben Stokes is back in training after a shoulder injury, giving the team a big lift ahead of the Ashes series in Australia later this year.

Stokes hasn’t played since injuring his shoulder during the fourth Test against India in July. In that match, he took five wickets and scored a stunning 141 runs. He was then ruled out of the final Test, with Ollie Pope stepping in as captain.

At first, doctors expected Stokes to be out for six to seven weeks. But now, just months before the Ashes begin on November 21 in Perth, the all-rounder has returned to batting practice with Durham, his county team.

Durham coach Ryan Campbell confirmed the news, saying Stokes had a strong batting session recently.

“He’s back in training and hitting balls again,” Campbell told BBC Radio 5 Live. “He had a great two-hour session. The batting’s going well, but the bowling will take more time.”

Bowling is a key part of Stokes’ game, but his return to form—even just as a batter—could be huge for England.

Meanwhile, England is also monitoring Mark Wood, their fast bowler, who has been recovering from a knee injury since February’s ICC Champions Trophy. Campbell said Wood could return in a County Championship match next week.

“If Wood plays for Durham next week, it’s great news for both us and England. He’s very close,” Campbell added.

Stokes’ full recovery is seen as crucial for England’s chances of winning the Ashes in Australia — something they haven’t done since 2011.

“He’s one of the greatest all-rounders ever,” Campbell said. “He’ll do everything he can to be ready, but playing all five Tests with his workload won’t be easy.”

Still, England fans will be thrilled to see their captain back on the field — and hopeful he’ll lead them to Ashes glory.