'Any team is more dangerous with him playing' - Steve Smith on Ben Stokes' return for the Ashes

Recently, England all-rounder Ben Stokes announced that he will be available for selection for the upcoming Ashes series. After this news came out, former Australia captain Steve Smith has expressed his happiness on the same. He stated that he is glad of the fact that the all-rounder is making his return to competitive cricket again.

Stokes had taken an indefinite break from cricket to look after his mental well-being. He had suffered a left index finger fracture and was recovering from that as well. However now, the ECB medical team and his consultant have given a green signal to him to resume his training post a second operation.

“It’s never comfortable when you’re going through some pain out in the middle. I think Kane Williamson is probably one going through it at the moment, I think he’s got some tennis elbow stuff that I had earlier this year going on, and it’s not a very comfortable place to be in.

When you can’t fulfill your duties the way you’d like to, the way you normally would, it’s never ideal. [I’m] glad that Stokesy has been able to get his finger sorted and I saw some footage of him the other day back batting so good signs,” Smith told the Sydney Morning Herald from Dubai.

Any team is more dangerous when you’ve got someone like Ben Stokes: Steve Smith

The Ashes series is all set to commence from December 8 at the Gabba. Stokes, who missed the Test series against India, the IPL and the T20 World Cup 2021 as well is now all set to return to the action. His presence strengthens the side as he possesses the ability to dominate the opposition with both the bat and the ball.

Steve Smith shed light on these aspects and stated that his inclusion makes the England team even more dangerous and that the Ashes will be far more exciting with his return.

“Any team is more dangerous when you’ve got someone like Ben Stokes playing. It certainly adds a lot to their depth, but we’re excited and I’m glad, personally, that he’s able to be back playing some cricket. It makes for a really good series,” Steve Smith added.