ENGLAND head coach Brendon McCullum backed Test captain Ben Stokes and fast bowler Mark Wood to be fit in time for the Ashes, describing this winter’s series as an “unbelievable opportunity” for the side.

England are looking to regain the Ashes for the first time in 10 years and, at the same time, address their dismal record in Australia since their successful 2010/11 tour – having failed to win a single Test in 15 attempts, losing 13.

Stokes missed the final Test of this summer’s drawn series with India due to a shoulder injury, while Wood has been out since February after having knee surgery.
But McCullum is optimistic over the prospects of both, adding that he’d be keen to unleash a pure pace attack also containing Jofra Archer for the first Test in Perth on November 21 in a bid to “land an early blow”.

Jofra Archer claimed the wicket of Yashasvi Jaiswal with just his third ball after a four-year absence from Test cricket for England.
“Stokes is progressing well,” McCullum told Sky Sports during the washed-out third T20 international between England and South Africa at Trent Bridge on Sunday.

“Everyone knows Stokes’ thirst for hard work and his enthusiasm to captain England, to lead the team down to Australia for the challenge that awaits.
“I anticipate that he’ll be fully fit and ready to go in that series; he’s progressing well and he’s excited about what’s ahead.”

McCullum described Stokes as ‘once in a generation’ and details what to expect from him during the Ashes.