Australia are "expecting" Ben Stokes to play in the Ashes this winter, according to spinner Nathan Lyon.
Stokes has not played cricket since July after taking an indefinite break from the game in order to prioritise his mental health and his recovery from a finger injury.
The all-rounder sustained the injury back in April while attempting to take a catch during the IPL and has had two surgeries on the affected finger.
Stokes attempted to mount a comeback over the summer, featuring for Durham in the County Championship and the T20 Blast and Northern Superchargers in The Hundred.
He also captained a makeshift England side to an ODI series win against Pakistan, but was in "ridiculous pain" throughout and has not played for England since.
However, after undergoing his second surgery earlier this month, Stokes' rehabilitation appears to be progressing well.
The 30-year-old has been able to hold a bat properly for the first time in six months and has also posted clips on social media of him batting and bowling in the nets.
Those videos have sparked hope among England fans that Stokes could be a late call-up to the Ashes squad, having been unavailable for selection when the initial squad was named.
Who will win the Ashes? Drop your prediction in the comments section.
And Lyon also believes Stokes will make the trip to Australia, saying: "I'm expecting him [Stokes] to come.
"I hope he is. You want to play against the best players in the world. Stokesy is the best all-rounder in the world. He's an x-factor, a game changer, and you want to play against these sorts of players."
England head coach Chris Silverwood has left the door open for Stokes to join up with the Ashes squad, but insisted a decision on his availability will be left up to the player.
"When Ben is ready, he'll give me a call and then we'll cross that bridge when we come to it, make plans where necessary," Silverwood said.
"Ben is moving forward, and the communications I have had with him, he is definitely more upbeat.
"I'll be led by him and my concern first and foremost is his well-being. And when he does come back we'll make sure he's in the right place and he is ready to perform."
