Ahead of the Ashes, there are fresh injury concerns for England Test captain Ben Stokes, who is currently serving as “batting cover” due to his inability to bowl, according to his coach at Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League. Stokes has played only two matches for Chennai since being purchased for $1.96m in early April, and he has been sidelined due to a toe injury. Prior to the IPL, he was already dealing with a left knee issue. On April 21, Chennai coach Stephen Fleming mentioned that Stokes had suffered “another little setback,” but did not provide specifics.

Fleming confirmed on Sunday that Stokes still cannot bowl, and there are reports that he may return to the UK following Chennai’s final group match this weekend, even though the team appears to be in a strong position for the next round. “Ben’s ability to bowl overs at the moment is still a bit of a challenge, but he’s there as that batting cover,” Fleming said.

The balance of the side is right with Moeen Ali bowling well in favorable conditions, said the former New Zealand captain and coach of the Chennai Super Kings, Stephen Fleming. Despite losing their last game, Chennai Super Kings won’t change the team’s makeup as they are currently placed second in the Indian Premier League.

However, England’s Ashes campaign has faced another setback after Jofra Archer’s exit from IPL last week due to an injury, and there are concerns over James Anderson’s fitness as well. England is set to host Ireland in a one-off Test beginning on June 1, followed by the Ashes series starting on June 16 in Birmingham.

England’s fast bowler Jofra Archer has been ruled out of the Ashes due to a stress fracture in his right elbow, according to the announcement of England’s Test squad to play against Ireland next month. The 28-year-old, who recently played for the Indian Premier League, will be unable to play again for the remainder of the summer, stated the England and Wales Cricket Board. England is scheduled to play a four-day Test match against Ireland beginning on June 1, followed by a five-match Ashes series against Australia later that month.

Meanwhile, Jonny Bairstow, a wicketkeeper-batter from Yorkshire, has returned to England and is now fully fit after breaking his left leg and dislocating his ankle during a round of golf, and has been included in the squad, while Ben Foakes has not been included.
Chris Woakes, the seamer from Warwickshire, will be returning to the England squad, while Mark Wood, the fast bowler from Durham, is back after taking a break from the New Zealand tour.

Surrey’s batsman, Ollie Pope, has been named as England’s vice-captain with immediate effect. Rob Key, the ECB managing director for England men’s cricket, expressed his sympathy for Jofra Archer’s injury, saying that it has been a frustrating and upsetting period for him. Key added that the decision to exclude Ben Foakes from the squad was a tough one.

“Jonny Bairstow is one of the best players in the world whose performances last summer epitomized what we are about,” Key said. “He has been excellent for England in the last year.”

England squad: Ben Stokes (captain), James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow, Stuart Broad, Harry Brook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Dan Lawrence, Jack Leach, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Ollie Robinson, Joe Root, Chris Woakes, and Mark Wood.