The Ashes 2025-26: England’s Ben Stokes wants to remain captain despite Australia defeat

Ben Stokes stated that he «absolutely» intends to stay as England captain notwithstanding losing the Ashes series in Australia within just three Tests.

England succumbed on the final day of the third Test in Adelaide, losing 3-0, which extends their winless streak in this nation to 18 matches and leaves them without an away Ashes series triumph for 14 years.

Stokes assumed the captaincy following the 4-0 setback four years ago, and this tour was positioned as the climax of the all-rounder’s leadership alongside head coach Brendon McCullum.

When asked if this defeat would lead him to reconsider his commitment to the England position, Stokes replied: «Nope.»

Leading up to this series, the 34-year-old secured a new England central contract that will last until the conclusion of the next Ashes series in the UK in 2027.

This series defeat, packed into just 11 days of cricket across the first three Tests, is expected to put pressure on both McCullum and cricket director Rob Key’s positions.

Considering Stokes’ importance and impact on the England squad, the Durham player would likely be granted the chance to persist as captain if he desires the position.

He has had a complicated injury record—Stokes has faced knee, hamstring, and shoulder issues over the last two years.

Moreover, the captain has evidently poured considerable emotional energy into this series. After his dismissal in the second innings of the second Test in Brisbane, and once more in the first innings in Adelaide, he threw his bat skyward in frustration.

When asked if he still possesses the energy for the role, Stokes answered: «Absolutely.»

Following a score of 83 over more than five hours at the crease in the first innings, Stokes sat out bowling on the third day in Adelaide, before starting to bowl on day four.

«I just didn’t feel right,» he stated. «I recognized I still had a significant role to fulfill, so I didn’t want to jeopardize myself.

«I felt like I might snap every time I sprinted after a ball, so I prioritized looking after myself.

«I had a restful night, woke up the next morning and was ready to go again, but I actually heeded the advice offered to me for a change by a few of the senior players.»

Before this series commenced, Stokes urged his players to «forge history» by joining the five England teams that have captured the Ashes in Australia since World War II.

Conversely, Stokes’ squad has mirrored the preceding three England teams sent to Australia in losing the first three Tests, thus relinquishing the Ashes prematurely.

«Realizing now that we can’t accomplish what we aimed to do here is undeniably disheartening,» expressed Stokes.

«It’s a notably emotional period for me in the locker room with the players, management, and support staff.

«We will draw many lessons from this game regarding how we might apply ourselves to enhance our chances of becoming a much more consistent cricket team.»

England now shifts focus to the fourth Test in Melbourne, aiming to achieve a Test win in this country for the first time since January 2011.

Even a draw would spare them the embarrassment of a clean sweep – England has faced a 5-0 defeat on three prior Ashes tours.

«It transitions over into what lies ahead,» commented Stokes. «We still have two matches remaining in the series, and so much to play for, both as individuals and as a team.

«Walking onto the field and representing England is an accomplishment in itself. We are not going to give up or become demoralized because there’s still a great deal at stake in the series.»