Ben Stokes fires back at Ashes critics as England go ‘balls to the wall’ in Australia
England captain defends preparation and hits back at ‘has-beens’ questioning his side’s Ashes build-up
Ben Stokes is not one to hold back, especially when it comes to defending his team. With the Ashes just weeks away, the England captain has hit out at former players who have criticised his side’s preparation ahead of the much-anticipated series against Australia — dismissing them as “has-beens” and insisting England are leaving “no stone unturned” in their pursuit of the urn.
Speaking ahead of England’s only warm-up match — a three-day game against the England Lions in Perth — Stokes said his players were ready to go “balls to the wall” from the first ball, despite their limited on-field preparation.
“The next three days is balls to the wall for everyone — no easing into it,” Stokes told BBC Sport. “Everyone has been preparing for this series for a long time now, so come the 21st, we will be good.”
The captain’s bullish tone set the mood for what promises to be another fiercely contested Ashes campaign. England begin their tour with the first Test at Perth’s Optus Stadium on 21 November, and Stokes — fit again after a long injury layoff — made it clear that he and his men are more than ready.
‘Has-beens’ and hard truths: Stokes defends England’s new approach
It wouldn’t be an Ashes tour without criticism from the old guard, and this time, it’s England’s lack of traditional warm-up games that has sparked debate. In years gone by, England would have played a handful of first-class matches against Australian state sides before the Tests began. This time, under the guidance of Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum, they’ve opted for a shorter, sharper build-up — one that focuses on intensity and mental sharpness rather than endless days in the field.
That hasn’t gone down well with some of the sport’s old-school voices. But Stokes isn’t losing sleep over it.
“Cricket has changed so much,” he said. “Preparation is nowhere near as simple as it used to be. You could come out on a tour two months before the first game started.
“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. I don’t know what else we’re expected to be able to do.
“There are quite a few factors that go into why we can’t prepare how the has-beens maybe prepared in the past. It’s all changed. We’re very comfortable with how we prepare because we leave no stone unturned.”
It’s typical Stokes — direct, unapologetic, and fiercely loyal to his players. Since he took charge alongside McCullum in 2022, England’s cricket has been revolutionised by their attacking “Bazball” style, and the results speak for themselves. The team has won the opening Test of all five overseas series under the duo, and Stokes sees no reason to change a winning formula.
Fit, fired up, and ready to lead again
For all the talk of tactics and preparation, perhaps the biggest question heading into the series was Stokes’ fitness. The all-rounder, now 34, hasn’t played since the summer Test series against India, when a shoulder injury forced him to sit out the final match. It was another setback for a player whose all-action style has taken a physical toll in recent years.
But the good news for England fans is that Stokes is back bowling at full pace — and has been doing so for nearly two months. “That’s all I’ve been doing for the last three months,” he said. “Making sure I’m fit and strong. When the Test series starts, it’s about being sensible through the rest periods, about how much work I do, because I’ve been building up to get here now.”
With Australia captain Pat Cummins set to miss the opening Test due to a back injury, Stokes’ ability to play a full role with both bat and ball could be crucial. The outcome of the series may well hinge on which skipper can stay on the park the longest.
England’s new leadership dynamic: Brook in, Pope still ‘in possession’
Stokes also addressed England’s new leadership setup, confirming that Harry Brook has replaced Ollie Pope as vice-captain. It’s not a demotion, Stokes insists, but part of a natural evolution.
“Popey has done a great job for us at number three,” he said. “He did an amazing job as vice-captain. He was incredibly valuable to me. We did a lot of work together behind the scenes; he helped me through particular periods in games and our relationship grew.
“But it’s a natural progression in terms of Brooky’s leadership of England. He’s been one of those senior guys I go to, so it was the right time for him to come in and be vice-captain.”
Brook, who has become one of England’s most explosive batters in all formats, has long been tipped for a leadership role. His appointment signals Stokes’ intent to keep the dressing room fresh, hungry, and forward-looking — a hallmark of the McCullum-Stokes regime.
The media circus begins — and Stokes loves it
No Ashes tour would be complete without some off-field fireworks, and Australia’s press pack has wasted no time in setting the tone. The West Australian newspaper splashed Stokes’ arrival in Perth across its front page under the headline “Captain Cocky Crybaby”.
He even admitted to feeling a little disappointed when the paper moved on to teammate Joe Root. “I was a bit gutted when they turned their attention over to Rooty because I was waking up waiting to see what the next headline of me was,” he joked.
That mix of humour and defiance sums up the mindset England will need in the coming weeks. “It’s expected. That’s part of being in Australia,” Stokes added. “It’s another one of those things that we’ll have to deal with, especially some of the guys that are out here for the first time. You can take it in your stride and laugh it off. I don’t think we’ll let that affect us too much. It’s been enjoyable so far.”
The final push before the battle begins
England’s preparations will conclude with their intra-squad clash against the Lions at Lilac Hill — a picturesque ground more known for Sunday club games than Ashes warm-ups. Not that Stokes minds. He’s adamant that what happens behind closed doors, in the nets and the dressing room, is what really counts.
“All 16 of us will be involved,” he confirmed. “We’ll use it to make sure everyone’s sharp and ready.”
And with that, England’s captain is ready to lead his men once more into cricket’s fiercest rivalry. Shoulder mended, fire rekindled, and message delivered: this is an England team that won’t back down — on or off the field.
If anyone still doubts their methods, Stokes has a simple message — watch and learn.
There are no comments yet. Be the first to comment!