Ben Stokes issues warning to England players ahead of Ashes
What's the story
England's Test captain Ben Stokes has urged his team to give their all in an upcoming practice match ahead of The Ashes. The game, a three-day intra-squad contest against England Lions, will mark Stokes's return to competitive cricket after a shoulder injury kept him out since late July. He has been bowling at full intensity during training sessions at Lilac Hill, on the outskirts of Perth.
Workload management
Stokes confident of handling Ashes workload after bowling for months
Stokes is confident that he can handle the demanding workload of the Ashes series after bowling at full intensity for two months. "I've been bowling like that for two months now," he said. The English all-rounder was ruled out of the 5th Test against India with a torn shoulder muscle. He had a heavy workload with the ball, claiming 17 wickets in the series in performances marked by long and jaded spells.
Injury concerns
Stokes acknowledges possibility of niggles in high-intensity roles
Stokes acknowledged the possibility of injuries in high-intensity roles like his. He said, "It's frustrating, but also a little bit of realization that I might have a little niggle here and there." The England skipper will test his fitness in the practice match at Lilac Hill, likely to be an XI vs XI contest with the full Ashes squad participating, along with England Lions players.
Match importance
'Balls to the wall for everyone'
Stokes stressed the importance of the upcoming practice match, saying, "The next few days are balls to the wall for everyone, no easing into it, and it will be a good run for everyone." He confirmed that everyone in their squad would get a chance to play. Other than Stokes, fast bowlers Jofra Archer and Mark Wood's fitness is also under scrutiny as England consider fielding them together for the 1st Test on an expected fiery surface at Optus Stadium.
Team strategy
Stokes non-committal about backing Pope at No.3
Despite assistant coach Marcus Trescothick's hints, Stokes remained non-committal about backing incumbent Ollie Pope at No. 3. He said, "We've been very consistent with our team selections. We know exactly what we want." The England captain also commented on some Australian players' performances in a Sheffield Shield match, saying they have put in some good performances for their states.