England will welcome Ben Stokes with open arms, says Chris Woakes

A day after suspended English all-rounder Ben Stokes raised speculation of his possible participation in the ongoing Ashes by flying to New Zealand for a domestic cricket tournament, his teammate Chris Woakes said England will welcome Stokes with open arms.

"It's good news for the squad as well, it doesn't mean he's arriving anytime soon, but at the same it means he's a little bit closer I suppose. Fingers crossed he can get out there, play some cricket, get some form under his belt and who knows," Woakes said.

It is expected that a decision to charge Stokes or not could come as early as Wednesday, paving the way for his inclusion in the Ashes series. England will definitely be hoping for Stokes to join the squad, specially after the 10-wicket drubbing in the Ashes opener in Brisbane. The Joe Root-led side will be facing the Aussies in the historic day-night second Test at the Adelaide Oval from December 2-6.