Olly Stone, the 31-year-old England fast bowler, is gearing up for a potential return to Test cricket. With 17 wickets in just five Test appearances, Stone has shown glimpses of his prowess on the field. However, his journey has not been without challenges, including a series of back problems that nearly derailed his Test cricket ambitions in 2021. Now injury-free, Stone is focusing on preparing for his return to red-ball cricket with Nottinghamshire in April and aiming for inclusion in the England squad for the much-anticipated Ashes series in Australia, just ten months away.
Stone's absence from the recent winter tours to Pakistan and New Zealand, despite being awarded a central contract in October, has only intensified his resolve to reclaim a spot in the national team. He has been actively playing in the International League T20 tournament in Sharjah for the Dubai Capitals, which he views as a stepping stone towards his Test cricket comeback. Stone’s best figures in 50-over cricket—4-85 against Australia in Melbourne last November—underscore his potential and readiness for greater challenges.
"And the fresher people can be, the more chance there is for England to win games – they've always said that if there's a crop of us fast bowlers fit and firing and ready to go to the Ashes down under, especially, it will give us the best chance of hopefully bringing the Ashes home." – Olly Stone
Stone remains optimistic about his future in cricket, drawing confidence from his current form and fitness. While he acknowledges the competition from fellow fast bowlers like Brydon Carse, Gus Atkinson, Mark Wood, and Jofra Archer, Stone is determined to seize every opportunity that comes his way.
"I want to play as much cricket as I can. Thankfully at the moment I'm in a good situation and can make the most of this [opportunity], which leads nicely into pre-season in March," – Olly Stone
His ambitions extend beyond immediate goals, as he hopes to secure another year or two on a central contract. Stone understands that while a central contract is significant, it is not the sole determinant of his involvement with the England team.
"I'm in a great place. I've got a good amount of cricket under my belt this winter. Obviously I'd have loved to play a bit more on the Test tours I was on, but just to be a part of that is brilliant for me," – Olly Stone
Stone’s pragmatic approach to his career reflects his resilience and understanding of the sport's uncertainties.
"Hopefully, come October I get another year or two [on a central contract] and can be a part of it for a little bit longer." – Olly Stone
"It's a weird one – even if you don't get your central contract, it doesn't necessarily mean you're not going to be involved. All it takes is a couple of injuries and before you know it your name's back in the mix." – Olly Stone
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