Ben Stokes remembers late father ahead of Ashes opener: You will be with me this whole week

England all-rounder Ben Stokes paid an emotional tribute to his late father Gerard 'Ged' Stokes ahead of the Ashes series opener.

England all-rounder Ben Stokes penned an emotional note for his late father on the eve of the first Ashes Test, saying he wasn't sure of playing the game again a few months ago following an indefinite break. Stokes will be seen in action on Wednesday when England and Australia lock horns in the first Ashes Test.

Stokes' father, Ged Stokes, passed away last year, on December 8, after a year-long battle with brain cancer, at the age of 65.