Ben Stokes: England add all-rounder to Ashes squad after recovery from finger operation

Stokes took a break from cricket in July to rest his injured finger and prioritise his mental wellbeing

All-rounder Ben Stokes has been added to the England squad for the 2021-22 Ashes Test series in Australia.

"I had a break to prioritise my mental wellbeing and I got my finger sorted," said Stokes.

"I am looking forward to seeing my mates and being on the field with them. I'm ready for Australia."

Stokes withdrew from England's squad for the five-Test series against India in August to rest his left index finger, which he broke while playing for Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League in April.

He was subsequently left out of England's T20 World Cup squad, but has recovered after having a second operation on his finger on 4 October to remove two screws and scar tissue.

The Durham all-rounder will travel to Australia alongside the Test specialists and the supplementary Lions group on 4 November.

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