England will ‘comfortably’ win Ashes if Stokes plays full part – Ramprakash

Mark Ramprakash, a former batter, believes that England will defeat Australia «quite comfortably» in the Ashes, provided captain Ben Stokes is fit to participate in all five Tests.

The series kicks off this Friday in Perth, where England aims to secure the urn in Australia for the first time since 2010-11.

Stokes has returned from a shoulder problem but has been sidelined in each of England’s last three series due to injuries.

Ramprakash, who previously collaborated with Stokes as England’s batting coach, highlighted the all-rounder’s capability to strengthen the team, along with his leadership qualities.

«He has a real connection with his teammates,» Ramprakash shared with BBC Radio 5 Live during their Ashes preview program.

«He understands the challenges of being an international cricketer.

«He fully supports them and possesses the empathy to comprehend the highs and lows.»

Stokes’ latest injury precluded him from participating in the fifth Test against India during the summer, which the visiting team clinched, resulting in a tied series at 2-2.

He also sat out a Test in Pakistan last winter after injuring his hamstring during the summer and exited a match in New Zealand last December due to a recurrence of the injury.

«If he is not on the field to make those judgments, to know when to back his bowlers, when to strike, it creates a significant void,» Ramprakash said.

«If Ben Stokes is available for these five Tests, then I believe England will win and win quite comfortably.»

Since arriving in Perth, Stokes has become the center of contentious coverage from the Australian media, with one local publication labeling him as «England’s Cocky Captain Complainer.»

Stokes, along with several other England players, was spotted on the golf course on Monday, an act seemingly intended to cast doubt on the team’s preparations.

Ryan Campbell, Stokes’ county coach from Western Australia, condemned the headlines and questioned the rationale behind criticizing Stokes prior to the series.

«I was quite annoyed about it,» Campbell stated, who is also Durham’s coach. «I expect WA to present a strong performance. I don’t appreciate such commentary.

«Everyone seems eager to say something clever. Much of it should be taken lightly.

«There are two players I wouldn’t criticize – Ben Stokes and Joe Root.

«They remain composed and respond decisively. Choose your targets more wisely.»

Stokes has already delivered several memorable moments in the Ashes, commencing with a century in his second Test against Australia in Perth during the 2013-14 tour.

One of the highlights was his remarkable match-winning century at Headingley in 2019, and spinner Jack Leach – his final batting companion that day – remarked that Australia’s aggression motivated him during that innings.

«[David] Warner had been aggressive towards him,» Leach noted.

«He exclaimed [at the conclusion of day three], ‘I am not exiting this pitch until we have secured the victory’ and was extremely charged. In the end, he accomplished it.»

Leach further commented: «[Root] achieves this in a subtler manner. He is fundamentally quite driven for this.

«A lot is being said about him never having scored a century in Australia, so he has a lot to prove going in.»