England all-rounder Ben Stokes posted pictures of his father on the eve of the first Test, remembers him on the eve of his death anniversary.
After a considerable hiatus from cricket due to a finger injury, England’s World Cup hero Ben Stokes, who was also addressing some mental health issues over the last year, will return to the cricketing circuit as he features in the England side for the first Ashes Test at the Gabba.
One of England’s best and most important players, a lot will depend on how he does, as England look to regain the coveted urn from the Aussies, in their own country, which will be an uphill task. Stokes, who was chiefly responsible for England’s World Cup win, and their stunning victory in the third Test at Headingley in the previous Ashes, will be playing in his first game since July, after aggravating a finger injury, and also taking time off to deal with some issues with his psychological well-being.
On the eve of the big game, Stokes took to Instagram to remember his late father Ged, who passed away on December 8 last year, after battling brain cancer.
The all-rounder shared a few pictures and wrote a profound note in his father’s memory. He also shared to his fans that he was unsure if he could ever walk onto a cricket ground once again.
“I wasn’t sure if I would ever walk out onto a field ever again a few months ago,I find it amazing that when I do walk out tomorrow I’ll be remembering you exactly 1 year on since you left us….You are gonna be with me this whole week #ASHES,”
Stokes wrote on his Instagram handle.
England captain Joe Root, however, reposed complete faith in Stokes’ abilities, as he admitted that the Durham all-rounder’s experience would be pivotal to their chances in the all-important Ashes. Nevertheless, he also felt that it was important not to burden the left-hander with unrealistic expectations.
“Yes, there’ll be an element of managing expectations and you’ve got to trust his experience and our whole bowling group collectively that we can work together to take those wickets.
I’m sure Ben will have a big say in that. It’s something we’ll definitely be trying to get right throughout the whole series,”
Root was quoted as saying in the press conference ahead of the first Test in Brisbane.
The first Test did not get off to the kind of start England or their admirers would have been looking for, as they were bowled out for a paltry 147 on a rain-ridden Day 1 at the Gabba. Aussie captain Pat Cummins was brilliant, picking up a five-fer in his very first match as captain.
Stokes was also one of Cummins’ victims and was dismissed for just five. However, it remains to be seen how the experienced Stokes will do over the course of the five Test match series.
