Stokes to join Lions staff for trip to UAE

TEST captain Ben Stokes will join the England Lions coaching team in the United Arab Emirates next month.

- By PHIL BLANCHE, PA

Durham all-rounder Stokes is currently recovering from an adductor injury suffered in the fifth Ashes Test in Australia earlier this month.

But the 34-year-old will be part of Andrew Flintoff’s coaching staff for T20 and 50-over white-ball series against Pakistan Shaheens and continue his rehabilitation work in the UAE.

The coaching team - which will attend either all or part of the tour - also includes Neil McKenzie, Sarah Taylor, Neil Killeen, Moeen Ali and Amar Rashid, while it will be Troy Cooley’s first tour since returning to the England and Wales Cricket Board as men’s elite national pace bowling lead.