England Test captain Ben Stokes on Wednesday (May 31) expressed confidence that he will be able to bowl against Australia in the upcoming Ashes series.

The all-rounder is struggling with a left knee problem for quite some time, which got aggravated during the tour of New Zealand in February this year.

During the recently-concluded IPL season, Stokes featured in only two matches for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and bowled only one over for 18 runs.

Addressing the media on the eve of England’s Test against Ireland at Lord’s, Stokes said he has given himself the “best opportunity” to bowl in the Ashes 2023, starting June 16 at Edgbaston.

“The knee is in much better place than it was in Wellington,” Stokes told reporters.

“I’ve been over in India for the IPL and these last eight or nine weeks I know I have got myself in a position where I can’t say I regret anything.

“I have got myself into a place where I feel like in a 2019, 2020 space in terms of my own body and fitness. I have definitely given myself the best opportunity (to bowl this summer).

“We know what it is (the problem) and now it is about managing it.”

Stokes was the standout performer when England hosted the Ashes last time around in 2019. His unbeaten 135 in the fourth innings powered England to one-wicket win at Headingley during the series that ended 2-2.

When asked about the significance of the Ashes series according to him, the skipper replied: “It is just the history and what the Ashes is. We’re lucky enough as English players and Australian players to be the only ones able to play in it.

“It is one of those series that has got unbelievable history and will continue to capture the imagination of the whole world. We all know what the Ashes means.”

Before the iconic series, Stokes and company will have their task cut out in the four-day Test against Ireland.

England have picked just three frontline pacers, including debutant Josh Tongue, while the likes of James Anderson and Ollie Robinson are rested prior to the Ashes opener.

“Tonguey has been someone who has been spoken about even since he first came on and played for Worcestershire,” said Stokes.

“Having someone who is able to bowl with that extra pace so he can come on and change the way the game is going and have that X-factor, is always great to have in your side.”

(With AFP Inputs)