Stokes posts words of encouragement for English Lions

London [United Kingdom], Nov. 23 (ANI): Suspended former England vice-captain Ben Stokes wished his teammates just before the first test got underway at the Gabba, this morning.

He posted a video to encourage his teammates, saying, "With the Ashes starting very soon, I just want to send a message out to all the boys in Australia. Wish them all the best for the first test match and to all the coaches and the backroom staff as well. I know how much preparation has gone into making sure everyone is right and ready to go."

"I just want to wish all the fans who have made the long travel out to Australia all the best as well and I hope we can give you a good result in the first Test match," the England all-rounder added.

Earlier in October, Stokes was withdrawn from the Ashes squad by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) in the wake of pending investigation into the incident that had led to his arrest in Bristol on suspicion of causing actual bodily harm.

English cricketer Alex Hales was with Stokes at that time.

England put up a formidable show on Day 1 of the Ashes Test. They ended the day at 196-4, with a spectacular show by James Vince.

Batting first, England saw left-handed Alastair Cook being sent back in the third over of the day, after falling cheaply to Mitchell Starc.

James Vince, making his Ashes debut, joined Mark Stoneman to provide stability to England.

Vince and Stoneman put on 125 for the second wicket, shrugging off the early loss of Cook and surpassing England's highest partnership from the entire 2013-14 Ashes series.

The partnership was finally ended by Pat Cummins when he took the crucial wicket of Stoneman (53).

England could not get on the same pace again after losing Vince and soon they lost captain Joe Root for just 15.

After winning the toss, England elected to bat first at the 'Gabbatoir' where they have not won a Test in 31 years, while Australia has a formidable record of not losing since 1988. (ANI)

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