Stokes confident of fitness for Ashes

ENGLAND captain Ben Stokes insists he will be fit to lead his side’s Ashes charge, despite being ruled out of the series decider against India with a serious shoulder injury.

- BY RORY DOLLARD

Stokes was seen clutching his right shoulder during the fourth innings of last week's draw at Old Trafford but still sent down 11 overs in clear discomfort.

He was initially hopeful about lining up in Thursday’s fifth Test at the Kia Oval, but scans revealed a grade three tear - the most severe category - meaning he now faces six to 10 weeks of rehabilitation.

And while he will play nothing more than a cheerleading role in the final match a series where he has emerged as the key performer, the medical advice suggests he is confident of being back in time for what has been billed as a legacy-defining trip to Australia.

The Ashes begins in Perth on November 21, with England flying out a fortnight earlier, and he was quick to assure fans he intended to be there.

Stokes opted to take the captain’s pre-match press conference in place of deputy Ollie Pope, who will lead the team on home turf with the side 2-1 ahead, and was asked directly if he expected to be ready.