Durham boss Ryan Campbell confident Stokes will be fit for Ashes

Durham head coach Ryan Campbell says England captain Ben Stokes is on course to feature in this winter’s Ashes after making progress in his recovery from a shoulder injury, Sport360NG reports.

Stokes, 34, sat out the final Test against India at The Oval after damaging his shoulder during the Old Trafford draw in July. The all-rounder was initially expected to be out for six to seven weeks but has now resumed batting practice with Durham.

With the Ashes opener scheduled to begin in Perth on 21 November, Campbell also revealed that fast bowler Mark Wood is close to a comeback following knee surgery.

“Ben is back in training,” Campbell told BBC Radio 5 Live. “He’s been hitting balls again and had a long session with Scott Borthwick and Will Gidman. The batting is coming along really well, but his bowling will take more time as we’re being cautious with that side of things.”

Wood, 35, has not played since February after picking up an injury during the Champions Trophy in Pakistan. His return was delayed after a setback in his rehabilitation, ruling him out of the final India Test and subsequent white-ball fixtures against South Africa and Ireland.

“I’ve got my fingers crossed he plays for us next week,” Campbell added. “That would be a big boost not just for Durham but for England too. He’s very close.”

Campbell, who kept wicket for Australia in his playing days, believes England’s Ashes hopes rest heavily on Stokes’ involvement.

“For England to win, Ben has to play all five Tests and perform,” he said. “He strengthens the batting order and offers genuine pace as a third or fourth seamer. He’s a game-changer.”

The Australian also praised Stokes’ commitment, ranking his work ethic above some of the sport’s greats he once played alongside.

“I’ve been around the likes of Michael Hussey, Justin Langer and Adam Gilchrist, some of the hardest-working cricketers I’ve ever seen, but Stokes is ahead of them. It pains me to say that as an Aussie,” Campbell admitted.

“The way he applies himself to his recovery is incredible. That’s why he’s among the best all-rounders of all time. He’ll be ready for Australia, but whether he can get through all five Tests with that workload is the big question.”

England and Australia last shared the Ashes in 2023, with the series finishing 2-2 on UK soil.