Stokes Responds to “Has-Been” Criticism
England captain Ben Stokes has dismissed criticism from former players questioning the team’s limited warm-up schedule ahead of the 2025 Ashes series in Australia.
England will play a single three-day warm-up game against an England Lions side starting Thursday at a Perth park ground, before the first Test at Optus Stadium on 21 November.
Stokes emphasized that the team has prepared extensively over the past few years, saying:
“We’ve been preparing for this tour not over the last three weeks, but putting a lot of thought and process into this for a few years now… We leave no stone unturned.”
Former captains Lord Botham, Michael Vaughan, and Graham Gooch have publicly criticized England’s preparation, calling it risky and insufficient. Stokes argued that cricket preparation has evolved and a shorter warm-up does not compromise performance.
Fitness and Role Ahead of First Test
Speaking publicly for the first time since a shoulder injury in July, Stokes confirmed he is fit to play a full role as an all-rounder. He has been bowling at full pace in training for the past two months and remains confident in his ability to handle the workload of a Test series in Australia.
“When the Test series starts, it’s about being sensible through the rest periods and how much work I do because I’ve been building up to get here now.”
With Australia captain Pat Cummins missing the first Test due to a back injury, Stokes’ fitness could be decisive in determining the outcome of the Ashes urn.
Endorsing Ollie Pope and Team Leadership
Stokes also backed Ollie Pope as England’s number three, praising his consistency and importance in the squad. He explained the vice-captain transition from Pope to England white-ball skipper Harry Brook as a natural progression.
“Popey did an amazing job as vice-captain… But it was the right time for Brooky to come in and be vice-captain.”
Warm-Up Plans and Training Regime
England’s preparation includes a limited training session at Lilac Hill, with batters and spinners present, while pace bowlers rested after an intensive workout. All 16 members of the senior Ashes squad will participate in the warm-up game, alongside five players not in the England XI, who will join the Lions.
Stokes emphasized that despite a single warm-up match, the team will go “balls to the wall” over the next three days, leaving nothing to chance.
Handling Media Hype
Stokes also addressed sensationalist media coverage, joking about front-page headlines in Perth labeling him “Captain Cocky Crybaby.” He said the attention will not distract the team:
“It’s expected. That’s part of being in Australia… We can take it in our stride and laugh it off.”
Ashes 2025 Schedule
- Series: Australia vs England
- Dates: 21 November 2025 – 7 January 2026
- Coverage: Listen on BBC Sounds, ball-by-ball commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sport website & app, plus in-play clips and highlights on iPlayer
The 2025 Ashes is one of the most anticipated series in recent memory, with both teams eager to secure victory in what promises to be a thrilling contest.
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