Chris Silverwood Hails Joe Root's Influence Over Ashes Squad

England head coach Chris Silverwood believes Joe Root's leadership played a key role in ensuring he could select the strongest possible squad for the Ashes tour to Australia. For several months it

"What it has done, I think, is galvanise his position as a leader. All the boys have recognised that, all my staff have recognised that and it has made us all pull in behind him."

England's star all-rounder Ben Stokes remains on an indefinite break from cricket while he prioritises his mental health and recovers from a finger injury. There appears to be some logistical wriggle room for Stokes to join up with the Ashes squad as a late arrival.

But, considering the sensitivity of his situation, Silverwood refused to give any indication if that could happen. "There will be no pressure from me for him to rush back. When Ben is ready, he'll give me a call and then we'll cross that bridge when we come to it," he said.

"My first intent is to make sure he's OK from a well-being point of view."