Former England batsman Paul Collingwood has urged the selectors to hand a recall to Durham all-rounder Ben Stokes ahead of the Test series against India.

Stokes was one of the few positives to come out of the disastrous Ashes tour, but was left out of the series defeat to Sri Lanka, with the official reason given being his fitness issues following a wrist injury.

However, Collingwood believes that the 23-year-old is ready to return to the longest format after taking 10 wickets in Durham's victory over Sussex this week.

"I hope England call him up. He's ready," Collingwood told BBC Newcastle.

"He's fit and his bowling has been outstanding. He needs to be playing for England. That's where he belongs. I don't know why he wasn't involved in the first two Tests."

Stokes has not played for England since injuring his wrist by punching a locker in the West Indies in March.