England set to risk Stokes, but Bairstow is major doubt for Ashes finale

ENGLAND appear ready to risk the fitness of Ben Stokes as a specialist batter in a team containing debutant Sam Billings and recalled opener Rory Burns for the Fifth Ashes Test.

- Will Macpherson

Stokes, alongside Jos Buttler and Jonny Bairstow, was one of three players to pick up injuries in the drawn Fourth Test.

All-rounder Stokes suffered a side strain bowling on day two at Sydney, but scans revealed it was — in his words — “a low-grade tear” that was not as serious as first feared. He batted to help England save the game, and has declared his desire to play in the daynighter in Hobart, starting Friday. The risk is Stokes (right) does further damage, jeopardising his availability for March’s tour of the Caribbean.

Captain Joe Root said no decisions had been made on the make-up of the side, but it appears Stokes will play if he does not aggravate the injury at training tomorrow. Stokes had a very low-key training session today, only batting against throwdowns in the nets.