England head coach Brendon McCullum says his Test squad is fully prepared for an Ashes showdown that could “define” the team’s identity and progress under his leadership and captain Ben Stokes.

Since taking charge in 2022, the Stokes–McCullum era — known worldwide for its bold, aggressive ‘Bazball’ approach — has transformed England’s Test cricket. Now, as the highly awaited first Test against Australia begins on Friday in Perth, McCullum believes the past two years have led to this pivotal moment.

“This is the biggest stage, the brightest lights”

In his only interview since arriving in Australia, McCullum told BBC Sport:

“There’s nothing bigger than what we’re walking into. This team has been together for a couple of years, and we’ve been building toward this moment.”

Speaking to former England spinner and Test Match Special commentator Phil Tufnell, the New Zealander emphasized that this Ashes series has the power to shape the legacy of the players involved.

“It’s a series that could define teams and the people within it. You know you’re ready, you know you have the game to compete. Stay together, play the style that’s ours, and we’ll see where we land.”

England set for all-pace attack in Perth

England will confirm their playing XI on Thursday, but early indications suggest that spinner Shoaib Bashir may miss out, leaving England with a blisteringly fast five-man pace attack — potentially the quickest bowling group the team has ever fielded in a Test match.

McCullum, visibly relaxed, said:

“We’ve got our team to the start line. I feel like our horse is going to run well. Whether there’s another horse in the race faster than us, who knows.”

A team rebuilt — but still chasing a marquee series win

When McCullum and Stokes took charge, England had won just one of their previous 17 Tests, including a 4–0 defeat in their last Ashes tour of Australia. Since then, they have revitalized the squad, blooded new talent, and earned impressive victories over New Zealand, Pakistan, and South Africa.

However, England have still not secured a victory in a five-match series against Australia or India. They drew the 2023 home Ashes 2–2 and have not won a Test in Australia since the famous 2010–11 tour — 14 long years ago.

Historically, only five England teams have won an Ashes series in Australia since World War II.

McCullum: “This could define our progress”

With the Ashes attention at fever pitch — including being labeled “arrogant Bazballing Poms” by The West Australian newspaper — McCullum remains unfazed.

“The hype is pretty cool. We’re not trying to solve global problems—we’re just trying to win cricket matches and represent everyone who came before us.”

The head coach acknowledged the pressure but urged his players to embrace the challenge.

“Be yourself, do the best job you can, and we’ll see where we land.”

Stokes ‘absolutely flying’ ahead of return

The opening Test also marks the return of captain Ben Stokes, who has not played since injuring his shoulder in July. McCullum says Stokes is mentally and physically ready.

“Emotionally, he’s in the best place I’ve seen him. From a leadership point of view, he’s never been better.”

Stokes explained that this recovery was far less rushed than previous injury comebacks:

“I had time — seven or eight weeks before I was bowling again. That meant I could rebuild properly and get everything back in order.”

Stokes will lead the attack alongside express quick Mark Wood, who is set for his first Test since August 2024 after navigating elbow and knee injuries.

“He’s flying,” Stokes said. “He’s bowling rapid and ready to go.”

Australia weakened but still dangerous

Australia will be without captain Pat Cummins and fellow paceman Josh Hazlewood, with Steve Smith standing in as skipper. Jake Weatherald and Brendan Doggett will debut, while Beau Webster misses out.

Smith also courted headlines with a strange attack on former England spinner Monty Panesar, mocking his appearance on BBC’s Mastermind after Panesar suggested England should remind Smith of his Sandpapergate punishment.

Squads

England 12-man squad:
Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (capt), Jamie Smith, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Mark Wood, Jofra Archer, Shoaib Bashir.

Australia XI:
Usman Khawaja, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith (capt), Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland, Brendan Doggett.