Ashes 2025: Ben Stokes Leads England into Battle in Australia

Ben Stokes

England's cricket chief, Rob Key, is confident that captain Ben Stokes will be battle-ready for the Ashes series against Australia, despite his recent lack of cricket due to a shoulder injury.

“I'm probably more excited than anyone who's got to face them, really, so fingers crossed...”

England cricket chief Rob Key is confident that captain Ben Stokes will be battle-ready for the Ashes series against Australia despite his recent lack of cricket due to a shoulder injury. Stokes hasn't played since July, when he missed the final Test against India at the Oval. However, Key has no concerns about Stokes' fitness, saying he's the type of player who builds himself up for big moments.

England cricket supremo Rob Key says captain Ben Stokes will be ready for the heat of the Ashes battle in Australia despite a lack of action following a shoulder injury.

Talismanic all-rounder Stokes has not played any cricket since July, missing the final Test against India at the Oval, which the tourists won to level the series at 2-2.

But the 34-year-old was this week named to lead the squad for the five Tests against arch-rivals Australia, starting in Perth on November 21.

“I think he had probably the best series he's had for us in the three years that (England coach) Brendon (McCullum), myself and Ben have been doing it,” he said, referring to the Tests against India.

“With the ball, certainly it's the best I've seen him bowl for a long time, if not ever. And that was without playing a lot of cricket going into the summer.

“So I have no issues with Ben Stokes at all. And he's generally the type of player that builds and everything he does gets himself ready for these big moments.”

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England's Ashes drought in Australia continues to drag on, with their last win dating back to the 2010/2011 series under Andrew Strauss's captaincy. Since then, they've struggled to find their footing on Australian soil. On the other hand, England's last Ashes triumph at home was in 2015, when they won the series 3-2 against Australia.

Recent Ashes Record in Australia:

• England have lost 13 out of their last 15 Tests in Australia, showcasing their struggles in the country.

• The remaining two matches ended in draws, highlighting England's inability to secure wins.

• Australia's dominance in the Ashes series is evident, with the team winning 34 series compared to England's 32 wins out of 73 editions.

• England's record in Australia stands at 56 wins, 90 losses, and 26 draws in Ashes Tests played on Australian soil.

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England's Pace Attack Strategy

England's pace attack, featuring Jofra Archer and Mark Wood, is set to play a crucial role in the upcoming Ashes series. The tourists are confident that their fast bowlers can exploit Australia's vulnerable top order. Archer, who is just two Tests into his comeback, and Wood, who returns after missing the entire English season with a knee injury, are expected to bring the heat and make a significant impact on the series.

“I'm probably more excited than anyone who's got to face them, really, so fingers crossed,” said Key.

“We've worked so hard to get to this point. It's the last little step now. So, we get this bit right and then hopefully we've got every option available to us going into that first Test match at Perth.

“That may be Wood and Archer, maybe not. But to have that battery of bowlers, every single one of them fit, I'm still fingers crossed for it.”

England's pace attack will also feature Ben Stokes, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Matthew Potts, and Josh Tongue alongside Jofra Archer and Mark Wood. The team's management is optimistic about the growing confidence among these bowlers, which could play a crucial role in their performance against Australia.

“I think this is a bowling attack on the up,” he said. “When we played against India, it was a very inexperienced bowling attack.”

He added: “You're starting to see a bowling attack where some of these bowlers who haven't played 10 Test matches are now starting to think, 'This is what's required in Test cricket, this is where I need to go to be one of the best in the world'.

“They have the potential to do that. They're on the start of that journey.”

England's managing director, Rob Key, expressed his excitement, saying he “can't wait” for the Ashes series to begin.

“I think this is going to be one of the best series for a long, long time," he said.

“It's going to be really tough, but I'm so excited to see what's going to happen.”

The Ashes series will feature five Tests, scheduled to take place in the following cities:

1. Perth
2. Brisbane
3. Adelaide
4. Melbourne
5. Sydney