Ben back from a ‘dark place’
ENGLAND ACE STOKES NOW ALL FIRED UP FOR ASHES
ENGLAND talisman Ben Stokes has revealed how he has emerged from a “real dark place” to return for the Ashes.
Stokes was added to England’s Ashes squad yesterday after telling skipper Joe Root that he was making himself available after a three-month break.
The finger injury that had plagued his summer is on the right road to recovery after a second bout of surgery and it has lifted a huge weight off his mind and body.
Stokes has also revealed how professional help and opening up to his wife and close friends has helped him deal with the mental turmoil that made him walk away from cricket indefinitely in August.
He said: “To be able to confirm to Joe Root that I would be available to join the tour from the start after my second successful surgery on my finger was a great moment.
“I’m buzzing for the Ashes. Rooty’s reaction when I told him was simply, ‘Oh bloody hell, that’s good.’
“I probably didn’t realise just how much of an issue the finger was causing me until I got it sorted the second time around.
“But I had also been struggling with bubble life and events off the field. I don’t want anyone to feel the way I did because I wasn’t in a good place and I’m not afraid to admit it.
“I was in a real dark place and having some difficult thoughts. I was always one of those people who wouldn’t talk about how they are feeling and just keep it internal and crack on.
“I now realise talking is such a powerful thing and it has completely changed me.
“Talking to my wife, talking to close friends like Rooty and it has really helped talking to the professionals I have worked with.”
The news that Stokes will be lining up to take on the Aussies on December 8 in Brisbane has delighted every England fan.
Not only due to his skills with bat, ball and in the field which have already made an impact in Ashes contests Down Under before, but due to his presence in the battle.
He added: “I do realise Australia is one of the toughest places to tour, but also one of the greatest places to tour.
“It is a special event in cricket and I want to help our team as best I can.
“I know what it is going to be like, especially the crowds.
‘‘I’ve experienced it all before – and I say bring it on.”