Ben Stokes 'definitely on course' to bowl in The Ashes

Ben Stokes, who is recovering from a knee injury, has only bowled 10 overs in professional cricket in 2023, and did not bowl a single ball in the one-off Test against Ireland, but the England skipper reassured fans in the aftermath of the Ireland contest that he is totally ‘on course’ to bowl in The Ashes, that commences on June 16 at Edgbaston. 

In the press conference post the one-off Test, Stokes revealed that he had a bowl in the nets on the morning of the third day’s play, and ‘felt really good’ about his bowling and his body during the session.

"I bowled this morning (in the nets) for the first time in four weeks and I felt really good. I was real happy with how I bowled,” Stokes said.

"I bowled for about 20 minutes and I got through that really well. Obviously I have got time to build up before I push back into flat out.

"I'm happy with it, so I'll just keep building it up now before Edgbaston. I am definitely on course to bowl in the first Test."

There was a worrying moment on the third day when Stokes appeared to jar his leg while taking the catch of Curtis Campher.

The England skipper hobbled in the aftermath of the catch, but the 32-year-old later confirmed that he is totally fine, and just ended up ‘landing awkwardly’.

“I just landed quite awkwardly when I took that catch,” Stokes explained.

"I didn't quite see it so had to adjust myself and landed on my left leg. It twisted in a really strange way but it was fine, I just don’t know what really happened.

"It was one of those things, but I am 32 tomorrow (Sunday) so that probably explains it,” the England skipper added.

Speaking of the Test, Stokes credited the visitors for showing ‘grit and determination’. He also asserted that he was pleased by how aggressive his side were, throughout the course of the contest.

"I thought Ireland came out and showed grit and determination," said the England captain.

"It (the pitch) got flatter as it went on. Trying to take the game on in our own way allowed us to potentially bowl them out without batting again."