Durham’s head coach, Ryan Campbell, has delivered a positive update on England captain Ben Stokes’ recovery from injury, confirming the all-rounder is back in training and expected to feature in this year’s Ashes in Australia. However, Campbell tempered optimism by admitting there are doubts over whether Stokes can handle the physical toll of leading England across all five Tests in the series.
Stokes, 34, picked up a shoulder injury during the fourth Test against India at Old Trafford in July. The setback forced him to miss the fifth and final match at The Oval and sidelined him for what was expected to be a six-to-seven-week rehabilitation period. His absence was felt in the series conclusion, underlining the importance of his role as both a batting pillar and a reliable seam option for the national side.
Now, with the countdown to the Ashes opener in Perth on 21 November well underway, the England skipper has made encouraging progress. Stokes has returned to batting sessions with his county, Durham, which Campbell said marked an important milestone in his recovery.
“Stokes is back in training,” Campbell told BBC Radio 5 Live. “Over the last week, he’s started to hit balls and had a really good session. Scott Borthwick was throwing to him with [the coach] Will Gidman for nearly two hours.
“The batting side of things is going very well but the bowling will take a lot longer. He is being treated very steadily.”
Balancing Recovery and Responsibility
Stokes’ dual role as a hard-hitting middle-order batter and a seam bowler makes his recovery especially delicate. While his batting work in the nets has shown promising signs, Campbell stressed that regaining full bowling fitness is a longer process. The physical strain of shouldering both responsibilities could complicate England’s hopes of having their captain available for the entirety of the Ashes campaign.
Campbell, himself a former Australia wicketkeeper, recognised how crucial Stokes is to England’s balance and competitiveness. His ability to lengthen the batting order and deliver breakthroughs with the ball has been central to the team’s resilience in recent years.
“The guy is so good because he makes your batting lineup deep and is a genuine force as a third or fourth seamer,” Campbell explained. “He is going to bowl so many overs and can get you wickets.
“The way he goes about his work to recover just blows me away. It’s why he is one of the greatest all-rounders that’s ever been and it’s why he will be ready for Australia. He will leave no stones unturned, but can he play five Tests in a row with the workload he has? He will try, but I am not 100 per cent sure.”
England’s Ashes Challenge
The Ashes remain the pinnacle of Test cricket rivalry, and the upcoming series has already been described by England head coach Brendon McCullum as “the biggest series of all of our lives.” To stand a chance of beating Australia on their own soil, England will need Stokes at his inspirational best — a challenge that may ultimately depend on how his body holds up.
Stokes’ importance extends beyond his statistics. His leadership, tenacity, and ability to lift teammates in high-pressure moments have become defining traits. England’s famous 2019 Headingley miracle against Australia and his 2022 captaincy revival of the Test side are reminders of the transformative influence he carries.
But with the packed Ashes schedule demanding sustained intensity across five Tests in just over six weeks, even a fully fit all-rounder would be pushed to the limit. For Stokes, still working back from injury, Campbell’s words serve as both reassurance and a cautionary note.
Mark Wood Nearing Return
England’s injury concerns are not confined to their captain. Campbell also confirmed that Durham and England fast bowler Mark Wood is on the verge of returning to competitive cricket following knee surgery. Wood, whose raw pace has troubled batters worldwide, has endured a frustrating run with injuries but could yet be a key figure in the Ashes squad if fit.
“[Wood’s return] is not only great for Durham but also for England. He is extremely close to playing,” Campbell added.
The prospect of Wood regaining fitness alongside Stokes’ return offers England a timely boost. Having both available would significantly strengthen England’s options, especially given the physical demands of an Ashes series in Australia, where fast, bouncy pitches test bowlers’ endurance and resilience.
The Road Ahead
For now, England fans can take comfort in the fact that Stokes has resumed batting and continues to progress steadily. His bowling recovery will be closely monitored in the coming weeks, with the England medical and coaching staff tasked with managing his workload wisely. A player of his stature will undoubtedly want to feature in every match, but careful planning may dictate otherwise.
If Stokes can strike the balance between fitness and impact, England’s hopes of reclaiming the Ashes will be significantly enhanced. Yet, as Campbell rightly pointed out, the captain’s challenge is not just about being ready for the first ball in Perth — it’s about sustaining performance across five gruelling Tests in one of the fiercest cricketing rivalries.
