Englishman Ben Stokes may be left in the ashes after finger surgery

England’s multi-skilled Ben Stokes may leave the Ashes series in Australia after undergoing a second cut on his injured fingers, the England and Wales Cricket Board announced on Thursday. The 30-year-old has not played since July, when he was told to take a break to focus on his mental health and rest his left index finger. “Ben Stokes has undergone a second surgery on Monday, October 4 to deal with ongoing problems with a finger he injured in the IPL (Indian Premier League) in April,” the ECB said in a statement.

“Stokes had two screws and scar tissue removed from the index finger of his left hand. He is now receiving intensive rehabilitation for the next four weeks under the supervision of the ECB’s medical team,” it added.

The operation casts serious suspicion on his participation in England’s series of five tests in Australia, which is due to begin in Brisbane on December 8th.

Fears of player well-being and Australia’s tight coronavirus restrictions have led to fears that the tour may not materialize.

The ECB will meet this week to decide if the ashes can move forward. Reports suggest that positive negotiations have taken place with Cricket Australia.

Stokes built his reputation as an English talisman during the ashes of 2019, when his unbeaten 135 helped England chase a record-breaking fourth goal goal in 359 Headingley, with one throw left.

The athlete declared himself in test cricket in 2013/14 at Ashes and scored his first test year in tough hitting conditions in Perth, but Australia finished 5-0.

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Stokes stayed on England’s last Australian tour in 2017/18 after taking part in a fight outside Bristol nightclub. He was later found guilty of misrepresentation.

Tourists left Stokes donations with a racket and a ball as Australia facilitated a 4-0 win to get the urn back.