Ben Stokes has issued a stern warning to England’s players, advising them to stay resilient in the face of intense media scrutiny ahead of the 2025 Ashes series in Australia. The England captain acknowledged that the Australian press has been critical of the team’s preparations and performance, with players like Joe Root already feeling the brunt of public scrutiny. Stokes, who is no stranger to the aggressive media environment in Australia, urged his teammates to take any off-field attention in their stride, stating that it’s a part of the Ashes experience.
Stokes was particularly vocal about criticism from former players, including notable ex-captains, who have questioned England’s preparation schedule. Unlike the past, when teams played multiple warm-up matches before the first Test, England’s preparation this year consists of just a single warm-up game against a combined squad of Lions and squad members. This condensed schedule has raised concerns among cricket greats, but Stokes defended the approach, emphasizing that modern cricket is far more congested, leaving less time for traditional warm-up methods.
“Preparation is nowhere near as simple as it used to be,” said Stokes, highlighting the packed cricket calendar that makes long tours and extensive pre-series preparations challenging. He reassured the team that England has left “no stone unturned” in their readiness for the Ashes, with preparations being carried out over several years. He further added that while the team’s approach may differ from past methods, they are confident in their preparation and will be ready when the first Test begins on November 21.
The England captain also spoke about the fitness of key pacers Jofra Archer and Mark Wood. Both players skipped training to conserve energy for the upcoming warm-up match, but Stokes remained optimistic about their availability for the opening Test. He noted that despite the unpredictable nature of injuries, the team is in good shape and the pressure of the Ashes will only add to the excitement.
As England gears up for what promises to be an intense Ashes battle, Stokes is clear that the players must remain focused on their cricket and ignore the external distractions, including the Australian media.
