<p>Ben Stokes says he is excited at the prospect of facing Australia in the Ashes as he prepares to return following a long break to focus on his mental health and recover from a finger injury.</p>.<p>The 30-year-old, who has not played any cricket since July, was added to Chris Silverwood's 17-man squad last month.</p>.<p>Joe Root's men fly to Australia on Thursday for the five-Test series beginning on December 8 in Brisbane and Stokes said he was raring to go.</p>.<p>"I took it day by day and had fantastic support around me," Stokes told Sky Sports. I'm excited to get out there and can't wait to see everyone."</p>.<p>The all-rounder's return is a major boost for England, who are seeking their first series win "Down Under" since 2010/11.</p>.<p>Stokes made his Ashes debut in 2013/14, scoring a maiden Test century in tough batting conditions in Perth but failed to prevent a 5-0 whitewash.</p>.<p>He cemented his reputation as England's talisman during the 2019 Ashes in England, hitting an unbeaten 135 as the home side successfully chased a record fourth-innings target of 359 at Headingley with one wicket remaining.</p>.<p>Stokes missed England's last tour of Australia four years ago after his involvement in a brawl outside a nightclub. He was subsequently found not guilty of affray.</p>.<p>But the Durham player attempted to downplay the significance of his return.</p>.<p>"One player doesn't make a team," he said. "Every member of that team is just as important. Everyone's capable of winning that match by themselves."</p>.<p>England captain Root also sought to temper expectations about the return of the all-rounder.</p>.<p>"He's got a lot of work to do to get himself back to the Ben Stokes we all know," said the skipper.</p>.<p>"He is a massive asset. We are going to have periods of play where it's going to be very challenging.</p>.<p>"We're going to have people stick their hands up and grab the game -- he is someone who will always do that."</p>
<p>Ben Stokes says he is excited at the prospect of facing Australia in the Ashes as he prepares to return following a long break to focus on his mental health and recover from a finger injury.</p>.<p>The 30-year-old, who has not played any cricket since July, was added to Chris Silverwood's 17-man squad last month.</p>.<p>Joe Root's men fly to Australia on Thursday for the five-Test series beginning on December 8 in Brisbane and Stokes said he was raring to go.</p>.<p>"I took it day by day and had fantastic support around me," Stokes told Sky Sports. I'm excited to get out there and can't wait to see everyone."</p>.<p>The all-rounder's return is a major boost for England, who are seeking their first series win "Down Under" since 2010/11.</p>.<p>Stokes made his Ashes debut in 2013/14, scoring a maiden Test century in tough batting conditions in Perth but failed to prevent a 5-0 whitewash.</p>.<p>He cemented his reputation as England's talisman during the 2019 Ashes in England, hitting an unbeaten 135 as the home side successfully chased a record fourth-innings target of 359 at Headingley with one wicket remaining.</p>.<p>Stokes missed England's last tour of Australia four years ago after his involvement in a brawl outside a nightclub. He was subsequently found not guilty of affray.</p>.<p>But the Durham player attempted to downplay the significance of his return.</p>.<p>"One player doesn't make a team," he said. "Every member of that team is just as important. Everyone's capable of winning that match by themselves."</p>.<p>England captain Root also sought to temper expectations about the return of the all-rounder.</p>.<p>"He's got a lot of work to do to get himself back to the Ben Stokes we all know," said the skipper.</p>.<p>"He is a massive asset. We are going to have periods of play where it's going to be very challenging.</p>.<p>"We're going to have people stick their hands up and grab the game -- he is someone who will always do that."</p>