Ben Stokes signals Ashes 2027 readiness by signing new two-year central contract

Ben Stokes has signalled his desire to play in the 2027 Ashes at home after signing a new two-year central contract with England.

Stokes will be 36 the next time England host the Ashes and, having sustained hamstring and shoulder injuries over the past 12 months, there were thoughts that this winter’s series could be his last.

But the release of England’s latest contract list suggests otherwise, with Stokes and Joe Root – the second highest run-scorer in Test history and six months older than his captain – among a batch of 14 players who have committed to the national team until September 2027.

Jacob Bethell and Jofra Archer are among the other notable inclusions on the two-year list, likewise Will Jacks despite the all-rounder only recently securing a recall to England’s Test squad this winter.

Ollie Pope and Zak Crawley are both on one-year contracts, reflecting their Test specialism but perhaps also a need to increase their output. Fast bowlers Sonny Baker, Luke Wood, Saqib Mahmood, and Jamie Overton have all earned their first 12-month deals.

The recent retirement of Chris Woakes means his name drops off the list from last year, likewise Jonny Bairstow, Jack Leach, Reece Topley and Olly Stone after falling out of favour with the selectors.

Josh Hull (Leicestershire), Eddie Jack (Hampshire), Tom Lawes (Surrey) and Mitchell Stanley (Lancashire) are the young quicks who have been given development deals in which their wages wil be split between their counties and the national setup.