Ben Stokes to Rejoin Test Squad After Injury Layoff

Ben Stokes has stated that he is confident in his ability to play a full part as an all-rounder in this summer's Test matches between India and Zimbabwe. 

After racing back from the same injury last year, Stokes has been healing from a hamstring strain for the past five months. "A lot better" is how he describes his recuperation this time.

Although he was able to return to action in time for England's Test series against Pakistan in October, Stokes' initial injury occurred during the Hundred last August. Two months later, he experienced a recurrence while bowling in New Zealand. Ahead of this year's historic series against Australia (away) and India (at home), he has been cautious in his recuperation.

After Jos Buttler resigned following the Champions Trophy, Stokes was briefly considered as a backup captain for England's ODI team. However, he stated that adding to his workload during such a busy year would not have made sense.

"The decision that they've made there, of making Harry Brook (captain), is 100% the right one," Stokes said.

As he gets ready for the start of the India series on June 20, Stokes is also scheduled to play in one of the England Lions' matches against India A after the Zimbabwe Test, despite lacking any significant middle practice going into that game.

He has not formally retired from any format, although he is not included in the white-ball teams for the opening matches against the West Indies.