BEN STOKES admitted he was “in a real dark place” before asking to play in the Ashes.
Star all-rounder Stokes has not played since July as he prioritised his mental health and recovered from a broken left index finger.
But he told his friend and Test captain Joe Root last week that he is ready to take on the Aussies.
He wrote for The Mirror: “I was in a real dark place and having some difficult thoughts.
“I was always one of those people who wouldn’t talk about how they are feeling and just keep it internal and crack on. I now realise talking is such a powerful thing.
“I feel much better about everything from my finger to my mental well-being.
“I know I can focus once again on playing my best cricket Down Under this winter.
“But I had been struggling with bubble life and events off the field. I don’t want anyone to feel the way I did, because I wasn’t in a good place and I’m not afraid to admit it.”
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Stokes had one final check on his finger by medics over the weekend and his shock addition to the squad was announced on Monday.
Root seems certain to re-install Stokes to his old job of vice-captain.
Stokes tweeted a picture of the Ashes urn with two bat and ball emojis while Root wrote: “One of the greats as a cricketer and an even better bloke. Welcome back my friend.”
A month ago, Stokes’ chances of playing against the Aussies this winter were negligible.
But a second operation on his finger earlier this month eased the pain and lifted his morale. He began posting social media pictures and videos of him gripping a bat and then batting and bowling.
Stokes added: “I had a break to prioritise my mental wellbeing and I got my finger sorted. I am looking forward to seeing my mates and being on the field with them. I’m ready for Australia.”
