Stokes confident that he will be fit for Ashes series

England skipper expects to have overcome shoulder injury in time for tour Down Under

- RORY DOLLARD Press Association

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

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 today'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.

While he will play nothing more than a cheerleading role in the final match, in 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.