Cricket News : 'Really good to see Ben back in the frame' - Root on Stokes return and first Ashes Test

England captain Joe Root said it was "really good" to see Ben Stokes back in the frame of things for the First Ashes Test against Australia, which gets underway in Brisbane on Wednesday (8th December).

The all-rounder has played just one warm-up fixture since July 26 after taking a break to attend to his mental health and undergo a second operation on his left index finger.

Stokes took two wickets and hit an unbeaten 42 before retiring for England against England Lions in Brisbane last week.

Root said "there'll be an element of managing expectations" around the player.

England have played little more than two days of cricket since arriving in Australia.

Despite the lack of match practice, the England captain remains upbeat.

"We've given ourselves the best possible chance with the opportunities we've had to play outside and to train outside, and we just have to be full of confidence and trust all of the work we've done leading into it," said Root.