Ashes 2025/26 Spotlight Ben Stokes Shines but Australia Plans to Challenge England Captain
Sir Andrew Strauss has praised Ben Stokes as an exceptional leader as England prepares for the Ashes series against Australia. This contest marks a pivotal moment for Stokes, who aims to guide England to its first series victory in Australia since the 2010/11 season. Historically, England has struggled in recent tours, with a cumulative score of 13-0 against the hosts in the last three rounds.
Ashes 2025/26: A Test for Stokes and England
The first Test is set to begin on November 21, 2025, at Optus Stadium in Perth. Prior to this, the media has already begun its psychological games. Stokes was recently referred to as a “cocky complainer” by a local publication upon England’s arrival in Australia.
England’s Preparation and Criticism
Captain Ben Stokes has defended his team’s preparations, which included a single three-day warm-up match against the England Lions. He dismissed criticism from former players about the limited practice time, describing their remarks as coming from “has-beens”.
- First Test: November 21 – November 25, 2025
- Second Test: December 4 – December 8, 2025, at The Gabba, Brisbane
- Third Test: December 17 – December 21, 2025, at Adelaide Oval
- Fourth Test: December 25 – December 29, 2025, at Melbourne Cricket Ground
- Fifth Test: January 4 – January 8, 2026, at Sydney Cricket Ground
Challenges Ahead
Strauss acknowledges Stokes’ capabilities but warns of potential pressure from the Australian team. He mentioned, “He’s an emotional guy,” indicating that Australia will likely target Stokes to unsettle him during the matches. Managing emotional stress will be crucial as England seeks to overcome any early setbacks in the series.
‘Bazball’ Impact on the Contest
Nasser Hussain, a former England captain, suggests that the English playing style known as ‘Bazball’ has already stirred reactions among Australian players. This aggressive approach will be tested against an Australia team known for its intensity and competitiveness.
As the Ashes series approaches, the spotlight remains firmly on Ben Stokes. His leadership and performance will be critical for England’s ambitions to reverse a long-standing trend of failures in Australia. The upcoming matches promise to be an exciting chapter in the storied rivalry between these two cricketing nations.
