England Test captain Ben Stokes is gearing up for a strong comeback after undergoing hamstring surgery earlier this year. The Durham all-rounder, sidelined since December due to a torn left hamstring, is targeting a return to his dominant best with both bat and ball in a packed summer schedule.
Stokes underwent surgery in January to address a recurring hamstring issue that has hampered his performance in recent years. He described his rehabilitation as one of the longest and most challenging periods of his career but remains optimistic about his fitness and form.
“I’ve worked incredibly hard on all aspects of everything, from my cricket to fitness, and know I’m going to be in a position when I am back on the field to potentially be in physically the best possible shape I have been in,” Stokes told Sky Sports.
The 33-year-old is set to make his return in a one-off Test against Zimbabwe starting May 22 at Trent Bridge. This will be followed by a high-profile five-Test series against India and then the much-anticipated Ashes series in Australia.
Stokes acknowledged that while training has been positive, the intensity of live matches will pose a greater challenge. Nonetheless, his focus remains clear: to be the impactful all-rounder England fans know, playing as a full seamer and batting at number six.
“As excited as I am to get back on the field, I do know it’s going to be different to my training,” he said. “But in terms of my role as a player, that full seamer, batting at six, trying to dominate every situation I find myself whether I’ve got a bat or ball in my hand is what I want to get back doing out on the field, on the biggest stage.”
With this comeback, England will be hoping Stokes can once again lead from the front and inspire the side through a crucial phase that includes series against two of the world’s toughest opponents.
