Ben Stokes is setting his sights on making history in the upcoming Ashes series in Australia. The England captain has expressed a strong desire to join the “lucky few” captains who have returned home with the Ashes, and he’s calling on his side to make their own mark in this historic series.
The first match, which takes place this Friday in Perth, will mark the start of England’s mission to regain the Ashes for the first time since 2015. The challenge is significant, given England’s 13-0 scoreline over the past three tours. Despite Australia being without two of their key bowlers – captain Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood – for the opening match, the team remains formidable. The Australians have also added two debutants to their squad, fast bowler Brendan Doggett and opening batter Jake Weatherald.
Ben Stokes, the current England captain, is determined to join the ranks of the lucky few. “I’ve come here absolutely desperate to get home on that plane in January as one of the lucky few captains from England who have come here and been successful,” said Stokes. He fully understands the magnitude of the series but is adamant that it won’t alter his approach to the game. “It’s not putting any more effort into this one than I have done any other series I’ve been captain,” he added.
As usual, Stokes is focused on shielding his players from external pressures, and he and head coach Brendon McCullum have named a 12-man squad for the first Test, which includes Shoaib Bashir. The team’s focus is on unleashing their pace attack, with Mark Wood available after overcoming a hamstring injury. Stokes is ready for the challenge and believes it’s important to acknowledge the significance of the series.
“We know it’s a huge task coming to Australia,” said Stokes. “We have to accept the scale of the challenge, not downplay it, because if we do, we’ll be lying to ourselves about what this series really is.”
Stokes is returning to competitive action after a lengthy absence due to a shoulder injury, which ruled him out of the final Test of the 2023 India series. During the last four months, he has focused on rehabilitation and strengthening his body. His commitment to the team is evident, as he signed a two-year extension to his central contract, which will keep him available for the 2027 home Ashes.
“It was very easy to make that decision,” said Stokes. “I want to get everything out of my body I can, and I will do that in an England shirt.”