Is Ben Stokes fit to face Australia in First Ashes Test? England captain eases concerns after picking up knee injury

Ben Stokes has eased concerns over his availability ahead of England's First Test against Australia in the Ashes. 

England captain Stokes landed awkwardly on his knee but didn’t leave the field during the 10-wicket win against Ireland on Sunday.

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Stokes has struggled with a long-term knee injury and this knock raised worries about whether it may have flared up again.

However, the skipper has given a positive update to ease fans’ fears. 

Is Ben Stokes fit to face Australia? 

Stokes is expected to be fit to play in the First Test of The Ashes. 

He has revealed that there is ‘nothing to worry about’ following his grimace while facing Ireland last weekend. 

Speaking post-match on Sunday, Stokes said: "I actually didn't pick it [the ball] up, and I actually landed quite awkwardly on it [knee]. 

“My weight went on the inside of my knee, like I hyper-extended. 

“I bowled this morning - the first time I'd bowled since being back from India, so it would have been about four weeks actually. 

“I got through that and was really happy with where I was so no, nothing [for England fans] to worry about."

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Stokes also addressed the cause of the injury and joked about his age being a reason for how the knock to his knee occurred. 

"I didn't quite see it so had to adjust myself and landed on my left leg and it twisted in a really strange way,” he said. 

“It was fine, I just don't know what really happened. It was one of those things - but I am 32 tomorrow so that probably explains it."

So the England skipper seems very positive about his chances of featuring in the First Ashes Test which gets going on June 16. 

Unfortunately the same can't be said about bowlers Jack Leach and Jofra Archer who have both been ruled out.