England captain Ben Stokes has called on his team to “show a bit of dog” as they prepare for the third Ashes Test against Australia at the Adelaide Oval. The visitors are 2-0 down in the five-match series and face the daunting task of ending a 17-match winless streak in Australia to keep their hopes of regaining the urn alive.
Following a tough defeat in the second Test at the Gabba, Stokes emphasised that his dressing room is “no place for weak men”, highlighting the importance of mental toughness and team unity ahead of Wednesday’s clash.
Returning to Adelaide: Stokes’ Home Ground Memories
The Adelaide Test marks a return to the ground where Stokes made his Test debut 12 years ago. At 22, he famously clashed with Australian wicketkeeper Brad Haddin, signaling the start of his combative international career.
Reflecting on the concept of “showing a bit of dog,” Stokes explained:
“It’s just trying to fight in every situation that you find yourself in and understanding the situation and what you feel is required for your team. Just look at your opposition every single time and show a bit of dog. That’s fight to me.”
He stressed that this mentality is crucial to giving England the best possible chance of winning, particularly in high-pressure scenarios.
Learning from Past Success: Lord’s Inspiration
Stokes and his team have drawn inspiration from previous hard-fought victories, notably England’s third Test win against India at Lord’s in July. That match, which England won by 22 runs, was cited by Stokes as a prime example of how focus, attitude, and determination can turn a tight contest in their favour.
“That was a moment where we all did that, we all noticed and we all identified that moment… On the back of attitude, mentality towards that specific situation is what gave us the best chance of winning that game,” he said.
Team Selection: Bashir Omitted, Josh Tongue Added
Ahead of the Adelaide Test, England have made one change to their playing XI: Josh Tongue replaces pace bowler Gus Atkinson, while all-rounder Will Jacks retains his place ahead of spinner Shoaib Bashir.
Stokes clarified that leaving Bashir out does not reflect a loss of confidence in the young spinner. Given the extreme heat forecast at Adelaide and the nature of the pitch, the team opted for strengthening the lower order with Jacks, who can contribute with both bat and ball if required.
“The main thing is we’re 2-0 down. We need to win the next three. We feel having Jacksy down at number eight obviously strengthens our batting a little bit deeper if we need to go there,” Stokes said.
Leadership Focused on the Team
Stokes also addressed speculation about potential management changes in the wake of another heavy series loss. He emphasised that his focus is on leading the team, not protecting his own position.
“If people are trying to protect themselves over the greater good, which is the team… I’m certainly never going to do that. My job is to captain this team and I’ll do everything I can to lead the team in the best possible way that I can,” he said.
Head coach Brendon McCullum echoed Stokes’ sentiment, stating that rumours about his own job security “do not really bother me,” reinforcing a culture of accountability and commitment to team performance.
The Challenge Ahead
England face a tough task in Adelaide. Historically, winning in Australia has proven exceptionally difficult, with previous series losses highlighting the dominance of the hosts. Yet Stokes’ call for mental resilience, combined with strategic team selection and inspired leadership, sets the tone for an all-out effort to keep the Ashes alive.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see whether England can end their winless streak at Adelaide Oval and begin a potential comeback in this pivotal Ashes series.
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