England captain Ben Stokes has set his sights on a rare and historic achievement: leading his team to an Ashes series victory on Australian soil. As his squad prepares for the opening Test in Perth, Stokes emphasized the opportunity to forge a new legacy, moving beyond the team’s recent struggles in the country.
The challenge is a formidable one. Since the Second World War, only five England skippers have managed to win the Ashes in Australia. Stokes is determined to add his name to that exclusive list. He dismissed the notion of downplaying the occasion, stating his team must fully embrace the scale of the task ahead.
A key component of England’s strategy will be the deployment of their express pace duo, Mark Wood and Jofra Archer. Both bowlers, having overcome significant injury setbacks, are reportedly at peak fitness and ready to unleash their high-speed deliveries. Stokes expressed confidence in his entire bowling attack, highlighting a blend of sheer pace and skill that he believes can trouble the Australian batters.
The series represents a pivotal moment for the team’s philosophy under Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum, built on an assertive and positive approach. The captain called on his players to confront the challenge directly and without fear, aiming to write a new chapter for English cricket in Australia.
England have named a 12-player squad for the first Test, featuring a pace-heavy attack alongside off-spinner Shoaib Bashir.