Ben Stokes welcomes Australian stars’ participation in County Cricket, believes it won’t affect the Ashes

In preparation for the highly anticipated World Test Championship final and the upcoming Ashes series in 2023, two star Australian players, Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne, joined English county teams Sussex and Glamorgan, respectively. This move allowed them to acclimatize to the conditions and gain valuable match practice. While Labuschagne showcased his brilliance with the bat, amassing an impressive 502 runs in five matches, Smith encountered a few challenges, scoring 122 runs in three matches.

England’s captain, Ben Stokes, expressed his support for Australian players participating in county cricket and highlighted the positive impact it has on the sport. Stokes welcomed the inclusion of international cricketers in county leagues, emphasizing the value they bring to the game. He endorsed the idea of having superstar players representing counties, stating that it would not make a significant difference to the Ashes outcome.

When asked about the Australian players’ participation, Stokes acknowledged that he had no issues with it. He shared a conversation he had with Marcus North, the Durham director of cricket, who sought his approval for signing an Australian player. Stokes, understanding the importance of international players joining county cricket, wholeheartedly supported the idea. He expressed confidence in the abilities of players like Steve Smith, suggesting that even if they struggled in county matches, they possess the potential to deliver exceptional performances in the Ashes.

Stokes, who recently led England to victory in a Test against Ireland without contributing with bat, ball, or wicketkeeping, has been grappling with a troublesome knee injury. As a result, he is currently unable to bowl. However, Stokes is determined to overcome this setback and fulfill his role as the fourth seamer in the Ashes series. He expressed frustration at being unable to perform his bowling duties effectively due to the injury. While he has received cortisone injections for temporary relief, Stokes remains focused on his recovery and aims to be pain-free, prioritizing his role as the fourth seamer in the upcoming Ashes contest.