Stokes calls on England to ‘create history’ in Ashes

Ben Stokes, England captain, has urged his team to “create history” by winning the Ashes in Australia.

Only five England teams have won an Ashes series since World War II, and only two of those victories have taken place in the last 40 years.

England haven’t won a Test in Australia since 2010-11, which is also their last opportunity to win one.

Since taking over as England’s Test team in 2022, Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum have given the game new life.

The most eagerly awaited matchup between cricket’s oldest rivalry in recent memory comes after a thrilling and content Ashes series in the UK was ended by a draw of 2-2 in 2023.

And Stokes’ side has a good chance of bringing on a rare away Ashes victory on Friday when the first Test in Perth is played there.

Stokes noted that “a lot has been said about the history and how England has evolved.”

“We have the right to make our own history, and it’s up to us to decide how it turns out.”

Since making his Ashes debut in 2013, Stokes has participated in one Ashes-winning team once. He has some legendary Ashes moments, most notably his epic unbeaten 135 victory over Headingley Ashes Test in 2019.

The all-rounder’s exploits in Test cricket and match-winning performances in each of the 2019 50-over World Cup and 2022 T20 World Cup finals guarantee him a place in English sporting history.

Stokes would be considered one of England’s greatest cricketers if he and the other five post-war leaders left with the urn.

He said, “I am aware that this series probably gets highlighted above all the other series I’ve been a captain in.”

“But it won’t diminish the time, effort, and effort I put in as England’s captain.”

Five pacemen will start for England’s series opener at Perth Stadium, giving them the opportunity to unleash their fastest attack in a Test.

Can’t touch 90 mph without Mark Wood, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, and Stokes.

The tourists’ selection of fast bowlers for this series is the result of long-term planning to travel to Australia with the pace England think is necessary for success.

We would have bitten your hand off if we had gone back two years before selecting the squad, Stokes said.

He added that it was “fortunate” for England to have bowlers who could “add skill” to their pace as well.

Stokes is back in shape after recovering from a shoulder injury that prevented him from playing in England’s most recent test, which was against India in July.

Due to a number of injuries, the Durham man hasn’t played in any of England’s previous four games, so keeping him fit will be key to regaining the urn.

He said, “I’ve fully assumed that all-rounder role with bat and ball” since joining the series.

In 14 of their 14 meetings in Perth, England defeated Australia in 1978 to claim a win.

The famed Waca, a notoriously hostile environment for visiting teams, hosted all previous Ashes Tests in this city.

For the first time in a series of Ashes, Perth will host. The new 60, 000-seat Perth Stadium will serve as the venue instead of the Waca.

In the run-up to this series, Australia suffered injuries. Pat Cummins, the captain, is out for at least the first Test because of a back problem, while Josh Hazlewood, the fellow pace bowler, is also out because of a hamstring problem.

Jake Weatherald, the hosts’ starting batter, and Brendan Doggett, the hosts’ pace bowler, are expected to make their Test debuts.

Stokes, however, does not think the upheaval with Australia’s selections made England’s task any easier.

He said, “We really like to concentrate on ourselves while keeping a close eye on the opposition.”

If they could field what everyone would consider to be their strongest XI, “this game won’t be taken more easily than it would normally be.”

Frequently, England teams make significant changes during unsuccessful Ashes tours. After England lost to England by a score of 4 to 1 four years ago, head coach Chris Silverwood lost his job, and captain Joe Root resigned shortly afterward.

Stokes has indicated his intention to play for England in the following home Ashes by signing a new two-year contract, which McCullum already has until 2027.

When asked whether it was an “easy decision,” Stokes responded that it was, “very easy,” considering that he could have chosen to spend the last few years of his career playing for the popular franchise circuit.