England all-rounder Ben Stokes has signalled a return to playing cricket. Stokes' videos on Instagram showed the all-rounder batting for the first time in a net session at an indoor facility since taking an indefinite break from the game in July this year.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
After posting a picture of him gripping a bat on Instagram on Monday for the first time in six months, Stokes posted three encouraging videos on Thursday where he was seen practising his shots from throwdowns.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"It's casual clothes training on a Thursday… Generally my first ball back and this is what happened (laughing face emoji)... Then a bit of making sure I don't break my toe... Then eventually hit a nice one... Great to be back hitting balls."<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Commenting on Stokes's post, pacer Jofra Archer wrote, "First ball might be 4 anyway (doesn't matter how they come)."<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Wicketkeeper-batter Jos Buttler commented, "Like riding a bike."<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Stokes had pulled out before the start of the Test series against India and will not feature in the men's T20 World Cup as well as the 2021\/22 Ashes to focus on his mental well-being and healing his left index finger.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Stokes had suffered a fracture to his left index finger while fielding for Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2021 in April. After leaving the tournament, Stoked needed surgery. In July, Stokes led a fresh ODI team to a 3-0 series win over Pakistan when the first choice team was unavailable due to COVID-19 outbreak.<\/p>\r\n\r\n