HAVING BEN BACK WILL MAKE US ALL BETTER

JOS BUTTLER welcomed the news Ben Stokes will be taking part in the Ashes this winter – as he will make every player feel taller in the heat of the battle.

Buttler (above) is making his first trip to Australia for an Ashes tour this year after working out a solution that will allow his family to be with him on the trip Down Under.

And he is delighted his good friend and team-mate of many years will be alongside him to face down the Aussies on their home turf.

“It is absolutely fantastic news,” said Buttler (with Stokes, right).

“First and foremost as a friend and team-mate I’m just delighted that Ben is back in a place where he feels well enough to resume his career.

“Having him added to the squad is obviously incredibly exciting for everyone because he brings so much to the side in all sorts of different ways.

“He balances the team brilliantly. And before his break he had been playing some of the best cricket of his life, so we all hope he can get back that form.

“But it is not just his cricket with bat and ball and in the field. He has such an impact on those around him – he makes us all feel taller stood next to him.

“He gives other players confidence. He is incredibly loyal to the team and when it comes to competitiveness Ben is not shy of any challenge.”

Buttler admitted the chance to take on the Aussies is one he’s glad he can now grab. It is a bucket-list contest as far as the Booking.com ambassador is concerned and he fancies England’s chances of doing well.

He added: “I’ve always had that hunger and ambition to experience the Ashes in Australia and test what is the biggest challenge I think you can take on.

“It is something I haven’t done before so I’m excited to experience that and I’m sure we can go there and give a good account of ourselves.”

For now, though, Buttler’s priority is the T20 World Cup in Dubai where he played a full part in England’s demolition job on the West Indies and is looking forward to more success this week.

He added: “It was a fantastic start to the tournament and our aim now is to maintain that standard and keep winning.

“The quality is there in our squad and we know we are capable of hitting that level again and again.”

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