Director of Cricket Ashley Giles is confident all-rounder Ben Stokes’ reinstatement as England vice-captain will inspire star performances during the Ashes series.

Stokes lost the role after being involved in a brawl outside a nightclub in Bristol two years ago. This week, though, he was named captain Joe Root’s understudy in a strong 17-man squad for the five Tests against Australia.

‘He is a natural leader and has a great understanding of the game. He will offer tremendous support to Joe Root as part of the senior playing group,’ said Giles.

‘Over the past 18 months, he has come a long way and has shown a great degree of maturity on and off the field.

‘I have no doubts that the added responsibility will also help him to continue his rise as a world class all-rounder in the Test arena.’

Fast bowler Jofra Archer, too, has been included in the Ashes squad. Archer played an important role in England’s win over New Zealand in the World Cup final earlier this month.

‘If we had lost, I don’t know what I would have done. But Stokes told me even before the over, “Win or lose, does not define you. Everyone believes in you.” That’s what he  told me,’ added Archer.

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