Ben Stokes has set his sights firmly on taking England to the top of the world Test rankings as his team prepares for a crucial summer. England are currently second in the International Cricket Council’s standings, just behind arch-rivals Australia, and a strong run of results in the coming months could see them climb to the summit for the first time in over a decade.
“If we win what we’ve got coming up, the likelihood is that we will be at the top of that leaderboard,” said Stokes. England face a one-off Test against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge this week, followed by a highly anticipated five-match series against India, and later this year, another five Tests against Australia. These series offer a golden opportunity for England to stake their claim as the best Test side in the world.
The last time England occupied the No 1 spot was in 2011, after a resounding 4-0 series victory over India. That reign ended the following summer, and since then, the team has seen periods of both resurgence and struggle. Now, under the leadership of Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum, there is a renewed sense of purpose.
Stokes revealed that he, McCullum, and the managing director of men’s cricket, Rob Key, have discussed the team’s ambitions in light of the latest rankings update. “We’ve got one more place to go,” Stokes messaged them, emphasizing the team’s hunger for progress. McCullum, often known for his aggressive approach, describes England’s position as “starting from a place of strength,” a sentiment Stokes echoed with enthusiasm.
There is a strong belief within the squad that they are yet to reach their full potential. “Everyone understands and knows we’ve definitely got another level to go to,” said Stokes. A key concept he’s instilled in the team is “dominance.” Whether it’s an individual session, day, or an entire series, he wants his side to approach each challenge with the mindset of controlling and dictating the game.
As England look to build momentum, they face the immediate challenge of Zimbabwe, which marks Stokes’s return to competitive action after tearing his hamstring in December. The Test will be a crucial fitness test for the all-rounder, who will assess after the match whether he needs more game time before the India series begins on 20 June at Headingley.
One setback for England is the fresh injury to Jofra Archer, who has been ruled out of the upcoming ODI series against West Indies due to a damaged right thumb. Archer’s hopes of using England Lions matches as a route back into the Test setup have also been dashed, and Lancashire’s Luke Wood has been called up as a replacement.
Meanwhile, Stokes hinted at future changes in the batting lineup. Jacob Bethell, who impressed during England’s winter tour of New Zealand with three half-centuries and an average of 52, is expected to slot back into the squad after the IPL. One of the current top-order batters is likely to make way. “Beth has done himself the world of good with the performances he put in,” said Stokes, suggesting that his place for the India series is all but secured.
Despite the looming challenges, Stokes insisted that Zimbabwe remains the team’s sole focus. However, it’s clear that England are already gearing up for a monumental year of Test cricket one that could define the legacy of the Stokes-McCullum era.
