Stokes backed to be ready for the Ashes

DURHAM head coach Ryan Campbell says England captain Ben Stokes will be ready for this winter's Ashes in Australia after returning to training following a shoulder injury.

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The 34-year-old sustained the problem during the draw against India at Old Trafford in July, causing him to miss the fifth and final Test at The Oval. He had been expected to be out for around six or seven weeks.

He has now returned to batting in the nets with his county side and with the first Ashes Test set to begin in Perth on November 21, Campbell was confident the all-rounder would be available.

“Stokes is back in training” he said. “Over the last week, he’s started to hit balls and had a really good session. Scott Borthwick was throwing to him with (coach) Will Gidman for nearly two hours.