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England all-rounder Ben Stokes added to Ashes Squad after declaring himself “ready for Australia”
England all-rounder Ben Stokes added to Ashes Squad after declaring himself “ready for Australia”
England’s chances of winning the Ashes down under this winter have increased dramatically after the addition of superstar all-rounder Ben Stokes to the touring party.
Stokes was originally set to miss out after making himself unavailable for selection by taking a break from cricket to focus on his mental health. His time away also allowed him to recover from a reassuring finger injury that had been causing him severe discomfort for months.
He initially suffered a broken finger back in April playing for the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL. Then after undergoing a “successful” operation Stokes featured for Durham on a number of occasions before captaining a weakened England side against Pakistan after a COVID outbreak hit the squad.
In July he announced his indefinite break from the game due to discomfort and worries about his mental wellbeing – the added pressure of bubble life also played a part in the decision to take a break.
The decision came as a surprise to many and outlines the need to look after personal wellbeing no matter how high-profile the individual may be.
Earlier this month Stokes underwent surgery for a second time and after fears of delayed intervention his rehabilitation went as expected. His addition to the squad is welcome news to everyone involved in England Cricket and the 30-year-old is excited to be back in action:
“I had a break to priorities 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.”
England Captain Joe Root responded to the news by tweeting:
Credit: Joe Root Twitter
The inclusion of Stokes provides more balance to both England’s batting line-up and bowling attack. It also gives the Australian team more to think about, making England a much more troubling proposition.
The talismanic all-rounder often leaves his best for the Australians, who know all too well about the threat he possess after his unbeaten 135 at Headingley in 2019 gave England an unlikely win after facing down the barrel of a certain defeat. A memorable innings to say the least.
Stokes missed the last Ashes series in Australia following his suspension from international cricket after his involvement in a fight outside a nightclub in Bristol; he was found not guilty of affray in August 2018.
Unfortunately Stokes’ return didn’t come in time for the T20 World Cup in the UAE, at which England smashed defending champions West Indies by six wickets after bowling out their opponents for just 55 in Dubai on Saturday.
England’s next game is against Bangladesh on Wednesday.
Root and the rest of the test-match squad leave for Australia on 4th November and will be joined by members of the t20 World Cup squad following the conclusion of the tournament.
The long awaited Ashes Series down under starts on December 8th in Brisbane.
Following the addition of Stokes England may change their bowling tactics from all-seam attack – he gives the touring side an added dimension.
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Newcastle United boss wants to extend the contracts of two players before losing them.
Eddie Howe has expressed in a recent fan Q&A his intentions to keep two out of contract players this summer, Loris Karius and Paul Dummett, according to the Athletic’s Chris Waugh, with both players current contracts set to end this summer.
6 players are currently set to become out of contract come June 1st, Loris Karius, Paul Dummet, Mark Gillespie, Matt Ritchie, Matty Longstaff and Ciaran Clark. However, it is only Karius and Dummett that appear to be safe of getting the chop.
Loris Karius has spent this season as Newcastle United’s third choice keeper, with only one appearance coming in the 2-0 defeat to Manchester United in the Carabao Cup Final. Despite the loss, Karius did little wrong and contributed some wonderful saves late on in that game.
Paul Dummett has had the same treatment, with only one appearance coming his way, a Carabao Cup tie in the second round against Tranmere Rovers back in August. The 31-year-old Welshman is an experienced head and will no doubt have great respect within the dressing room having signed for the club back in 2012 making 205 appearances in that time.
Both players can expect new contracts from Eddie Howe as he has made it known that he wants them both to remain at the club next season.
Who would you want to remain at the club from the current out of contract list – let us know on our social media and follow us for latest North East Updates –https://linktr.ee/northeastupdates
10 players Eddie Howe could look towards with contracts expiring at the end of this season.
The free agent’s market is the absolute cheat code for clubs across the board, being able to avoid the rising transfer fees and getting players through the door through verbal agreements makes life much easier for clubs during the transfer window.
We have compiled a list of 10 free transfers NUFC could sign this summer from Europe’s top five leagues giving them a rating of the potential of them signing and the impact they would have.
- Raphael Guerreiro (Borussia Dortmund)
The 29-year-old full back has his contract expiring this summer and with NUFC already being hinted at as his potential new club, this one is worth keeping an eye on over the next few months. He would slot straight in at left-back to have healthy competition for fan favourite Dan Burn and add a burst of class and pace to that left hand side. The Portugal international already has an impressive CV and would be looking to show that off to the St. James faithful.
Potential – A
Impact – A
- Yerry Mina (Everton)
With Everton potentially facing the drop this season, a jump from Merseyside to Newcastle could suit the centre back to a T. The 28-year-old Columbian international would add to NUFC’s already in form back line and bring some South American heat as they look to progress further next season. Mina possesses dominance, aggression, and a great ariel threat and would be a top addition to the magpies this summer.
Potential – B
Impact – A
- Jonathan Bamba (Lille)
An explosive winger who made his name known as Lille snatched the league title in 2021 in France, the 26-year-old is still yet to receive a contract extension from the club and could be looking elsewhere in the summer. Adding pace, flair, and drive to an already exciting front three for NUFC could be what fans need going into next season.
Potential – C
Impact – A
- Youri Tielemans (Leicester City)
Reportedly being close to leaving in the summer window of 2022, Youri Tielemans would be a fine addition to NUFC’s midfield being able to operate in a slightly deeper role to allow Bruno to push further up the field and do what he does best. The 25-year-old has his contract expiring this summer and with him and James Maddison already being linked to the club, this transfer seems to make so much more sense and would add heaps of quality to the centre of the field.
Potential – B
Impact – A
- Wilfried Zaha (Crystal Palace)
Drive, power, and flair are the 3 best words to describe Crystal Palace star man Wilfried Zaha. The 30-year-old could be looking to depart his beloved club in the hope for European football next season and NUFC could be just the place for him. Being able to operate either on the left or down the middle, Zaha would thrive under Eddie Howe and be a fantastic addition to the front line.
Potential – B
Impact – A
A Sunderland football player on loan to Lincoln FC has had his loan terminated after he was charged with rape.
Jack Diamond, 23, had been arrested after a sexual assault in Washington, Tyne and Wear, last year.
Northumbria Police launched an investigation, but have now charged him with one count of rape and one count of sexual assault.
Lincoln City FC said the player’s loan contract had been terminated “with immediate effect”.
His home club, Sunderland AFC, said he had been suspended pending the outcome of legal proceedings.
In a statement, it said: “Sunderland AFC has been notified that criminal charges have been brought against Jack Diamond by the Crown Prosecution Service.”
“As this matter is subject to a legal process, the club will not be making any further statement at this time”.
The incident is alleged to have happened in May last year.
Mr Diamond, of Fatfield, also Washington, is due to appear before South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court in May.
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