All-rounder takes 2-31 from 10 overs against
England LionsStuart Broad says of returning Stokes: ‘We know he’s a warrior’The importance of Ben Stokes to England’s Ashes campaign can scarcely be overstated and so the all-rounder’s first outing in the middle for four months was a significant moment for Joe Root’s men as they prepare for next week’s first Test at the Gabba.
![Ben Stokes finds some bowling form as rain abates to let England play](https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/209228dd215667ff79f8190167b71cbec25022cc/0_100_3000_1800/master/3000.jpg?width=1200&height=630&quality=85&auto=format&fit=crop&overlay-align=bottom%2Cleft&overlay-width=100p&overlay-base64=L2ltZy9zdGF0aWMvb3ZlcmxheXMvdGctZGVmYXVsdC5wbmc&enable=upscale&s=4bd7124bf9a0826ac845fcb62ea1297a)
Stokes makes England’s strongest XI as a batter alone but when fit to send down his brawny fast-medium he offers a balance that is the envy of most opponents. On their first full day of
Cricket on tour – technically day three of their final warm-up match against the Lions – figures of two for 31 from 10 overs were therefore encouraging.