Ashes 2017-18: Ben Stokes works out at Sunderland gym hours after England team-mates end promising day in First Test
Star all-rounder was pictured leaving a David Lloyd club within hours of England closing day one at 196-4 in Brisbane
BEN STOKES took out his frustration at missing the start to the Ashes by heading to a Sunderland gym.
The star all-rounder was snapped sipping a hot drink as he left a David Lloyd club within hours of England team-mates closing day one of the First Test in Brisbane at 196-4.
Stokes was spotted just before 1pm, having left home for his workout at 10.15am - just a couple of hours after stumps at the Gabba.
And he would sure have needed the caffeine if he'd stayed up to watch much of the first day - which started at 12am.
The chances of him appearing in the Ashes series are minimal because he is still under investigation by Avon and Somerset police following the Bristol brawl on September 25.
He must also face an ECB disciplinary probe.
But the Durham player did not appear to be licking his wounds as he put himself through a workout on Thursday.
A video emerged of Stokes bowling in the nets this week, with England fans speculating he could be set for the green light to fly Down Under.
But that appears some way off, even if Stokes is making sure he is primed for action if called upon.
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Stokes went public with a personal good luck message to Joe Root’s team head of the first day's play at the Gabba
He posted a video on twitter in which he revealed he will be staying up for much of the night to watch the action on TV.
Stokes said: "I wanted to get a message out to all the boys in Australia wishing them all the best for the First Test match and all the coaches and backroom staff.
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"I know how much preparation has gone into getting everyone ready to go and., by the looks of it, everyone is.
"I want to wish all the fans who have made the long travels out to Australia all the best as well. I hope we can give you a good result in the First Test.
"I’ll be sat at home watching and following the lads and hoping they do really well."
England's Ashes Test schedule
Nov 23-27 First Test (Brisbane)
Dec 2-6 Second Test (Adelaide)
Dec 14-18 Third Test (Perth)
Dec 26-30 Fourth Test (Melbourne)
Jan 4-8 Fifth Test (Sydney)