The Latest Breaking News from Ben Stokes

Stokes is confident his knee will stand up to the rigours of bowling when he needs to this summer after a fitness burst in India

Test captain unable to say whether he’ll bowl against Ireland but is optimstic after injury recovery for summer series

'Dream come true' for Worcestershire seamer who was called up as cover, but now gets to make England debut in Ashes warm-up at the Home of Cricket

As most of the country enjoyed the final knockings of the spring’s rare hat-trick of bank holidays yesterday, England’s players arrived at Lord’s, the most monumental international summer since 2019’s World Cup-Ashes double-header now almost upon us. Brendon McCullum, the head coach, could hardly keep the smile off his face.

The right blend has been sought since Sir Alastair Cook retired nearly five years ago.

Ollie Robinson and James Anderson had fitness concerns ahead of the start of the international summer

England face Ireland before their build-up to the Ashes opener will contain days off, training and ‘quality time’.

Mark Wood is doubtful for Ireland Test but may play given injuries to bowlers, with Ben Stokes still struggling with his knee injury

Stuart Broad set to lead the attack at Lord's this week in the absence of 40-year-old Anderson, who is expected to play in his 10th Ashes series in June