England cricket captain Ben Stokes has acknowledged the intense scrutiny following his team’s heavy defeat in Perth, stating he accepts criticism as part of the sport. However, he has firmly rejected claims that his squad’s attitude has been one of arrogance.
The accusation was levelled prominently by former Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson, whose critique has resonated in the wider discussion of England’s Ashes campaign. The perception was further amplified this week when most of the England squad opted for specialised training in Brisbane over a scheduled two-day tour match.
With the series resuming on Thursday at Brisbane’s Gabba—a venue where England last won a Test match in 1986—the pressure on the tourists is immense. The second Test will be a day-night affair, a factor the team is preparing for with sessions using the pink ball.
Speaking at a training session, Stokes addressed the criticism directly. “People can call us rubbish, they can say what they like,” he stated. “But ‘arrogant’… that might be pushing it a bit far. We’ll take the good with the bad. I can handle being called rubbish, but I’m not so sure about arrogant.”
While admitting the first Test did not go to plan, Stokes pointed to periods where the team performed well. He also emphasised the shared desire for success between the players and their supporters, many of whom have travelled to Australia.
“We’re in a results-driven profession, and we understand that,” Stokes said. “We have fantastic supporters who want to see us win just as much as we do. We are utterly determined. Every minute we have is being used to prepare and give us the best chance to turn things around.”