Stokes stands up against England criticism from ‘has-beens’

Ben Stokes, the captain, asserts that England will go «all out» in their sole warm-up match for the Ashes following «past players» doubting their minimal preparations in Australia.

England will engage in a three-day match against an England Lions team commencing on Thursday at a local ground in Perth. The initial Test at Optus Stadium is set to kick off on 21 November.

The lead-up to this tour mirrors England’s arrangements for their last five overseas tours under Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum. On each occasion, England has triumphed in the first Test of the series.

However, this setup is unlike many of England’s previous Ashes tours, which featured multiple warm-up matches.

Stokes stated to BBC Sport, «The next three days will be all out for everyone – no gradual start.»

«Everyone has been gearing up for this series for an extended period, so by the 21st, we will be ready.»

Addressing the media for the first time after suffering a shoulder injury in July, Stokes touched on various topics, such as:

England conducted a limited training session at Lilac Hill on Wednesday. The batsmen and spin bowlers were present, while the fast bowlers sat out after an intense training on Tuesday.

The visitors haven’t confirmed the squad for the warm-up match. All 16 players of the senior Ashes squad will participate, with the five not featuring in the England XI joining the Lions.

There are several factors contributing to England’s brief buildup for the first Test, apart from a preference for a method that has historically been successful for them.

Amidst a busy schedule, England has just completed a white-ball series in New Zealand.

Even if they had set up a series of first-class matches in Australia, their opposition would likely not have been strong due to the ongoing domestic Sheffield Shield competition.

Critique of the preparation has come from former players on both sides of the Ashes divide.

«Cricket has evolved significantly,» remarked Stokes. «Preparation isn’t nearly as straightforward as it used to be. Players could arrive on a tour two months before the first match commenced.

«We have been gearing up for this tour not just over the last three weeks, but investing significant thought and planning into it for several years. I’m unsure what else we’re supposed to accomplish.

«Numerous factors explain why we can’t prepare as the retired players might have in the past. Everything has changed. We’re entirely satisfied with our preparation approach as we leave no stone unturned.»

Stokes, aged 34, hasn’t played since being ruled out of the final Test against India in the summer.

He performed exceptionally in that series before the injury, which occurred after he pushed himself through a significant bowling workload. Injuries have hindered Stokes from finishing any of England’s last four Test series.

However, he has been bowling at full pace in training, which he mentioned he has been doing for two months.

With Australia captain Pat Cummins absent for the first Test due to a back injury, the ultimate outcome of the urn could hinge on which captain is on the field the most, and Stokes acknowledged he is in a «good position» to navigate the series.

«That has been my sole focus for the past three months; ensuring I’m fit and strong,» he stated.

«As the Test series commences, it involves being prudent during rest periods, considering the volume of work I undertake, as I’ve been preparing to arrive here.»

On Tuesday, assistant coach Marcus Trescothick supported Pope at number three, a sentiment echoed by Stokes, who noted that the Surrey player is «currently in possession».

Stokes also clarified the change in vice-captaincy from Pope to England’s white-ball captain Harry Brook.

«We have maintained a consistent approach to team selection and are clear about what we desire from the team we select. Popey has excelled for us at number three,» remarked Stokes.

«He did an excellent job as vice-captain. His contributions have been immensely valuable to me. We collaborated extensively behind the scenes; he assisted me during crucial phases in matches, and our rapport deepened. He improved significantly, especially while I was bowling.

«But it’s a natural advancement regarding Brooky’s leadership of England. He’s one of those senior figures I refer to, making it the appropriate moment for Brooky to step in as vice-captain.»

After an exhilarating yet contentious Ashes series in 2023 that concluded with a 2-2 draw, the forthcoming match is among the most eagerly anticipated series in recent history.

In the spirit of the excitement, the West Australian newspaper showcased images of Stokes arriving in Perth on its cover, labeling him «Captain Cocky Crybaby».

Stokes indicated that the publicity would not impact his squad and expressed his disappointment when the newspaper redirected its focus to teammate Joe Root.

«It’s exceptional journalism to acquire such information for the front page from a guy rolling a suitcase through an airport, so kudos to them,» stated Stokes.

«I felt a bit disheartened when they shifted their gaze to Rooty, as I was anticipating what the following headline about me would be.

«It’s to be expected. This is part of being in Australia. It’s another one of those challenges we must manage, especially for some of the players experiencing this for the first time.

«It’s not solely about on-field happenings that can affect you – there’s also the off-field aspect. It’s about how you respond. You can take it in stride and laugh it off. I don’t believe we’ll let this influence us too much, as it’s been enjoyable thus far.»