Monday 20 November 2017 10:20, UK
Jake Ball has declared himself fully fit ahead of the start of England’s Ashes campaign.
The Nottinghamshire pace bowler sprained an ankle during a warm-up game in Adelaide last week, leading to fears he may slip out of contention for the first Ashes Test, which starts on Thursday.
However, Ball says he is raring to go if selected at the Gabba in Brisbane after stepping up his recovery during England's draw against a Cricket Australia XI in Townsville.
He told Sky Sports News: "I'm fully fit now. The last few days at Townsville I was off my full run and I had two sessions in the field, so I am in a really good position at the minute.
"I feel like I have had enough bowling so hopefully come the first day then I am ready to go.
"I had my eyes closed for a split second [when I went over my ankle]. It did hurt at the time but I managed to get a bit of movement while I was out there and walking off I didn't seem too bad.
"As soon as I got the results back from the scan it was all positive and really good. The medical staff have been amazing and have sorted me out and I am obviously back fully fit now.
"I am really confident in what I am doing at the minute and I think that is what made the injury all the more frustrating in the fact that I was bowling really well. To pick up that niggle was a little setback but since I have been back I feel it has been coming out nicely."
England are still without Ben Stokes, who was unable to make the plane to Australia for the Ashes tour as he awaits the conclusion of a police investigation.
Ball insisted the uncertainty around Stokes' availability for the tour has not adversely affected the players and says he believes England are man-for-man a better side than Australia right now.
"I think if you go through one-by-one then I think we just edge it," he said.
"What I have seen in the Australian media is a few selection issues [with them] but with our team we are in a really good position.
"The team is in a really good place. Everyone is getting on really well and the team vibe has been amazing, so come the first day I think we will hit the ground running and hopefully surprise a few people."
