- August 6, 2025
Let’s face it — when Ben Stokes speaks, cricket followers perk up and listen. Whether it’s a passionate press conference, a match-defining spell, or an absolutely honest assessment after a defeat, the England captain wears his emotional state on his sleeve, and this has been the case all summer! So, after a thrilling series drawn at 2-2 against India, at last, he said what some fans have been eagerly anticipating all season when he suggested that he is ready for Australia. With the first Ashes Test series match on the horizon in Perth later this year, you can be sure what was said had substance—and unfinished business.
England vs India Was the Perfect Ashes Warm-Up
Forget warm-up games or net practice… this series against India was the real test. Across five matches, we witnessed over 7000 runs, crazy collapses, amazing comebacks, and a final Test that swung like a pendulum. And right in the thick of it was Ben Stokes—captaining with grit, bowling until his shoulder gave up on him, and wringing every ounce of fight out of his team like a man on a mission.
And although England lost the series, what they have gained is far more meaningful in my opinion: battle-hardened experience. Young pacers such as Tongue, Atkinson, and Overton stood up when it mattered (and were tough) in the absence of Archer, Wood, and Woakes. Stokes made it well-known that this series was a war, and his team came out battle-toughened. Seriously, that is exactly the kind of energy you want ahead of taking on Australia in their backyard.
The Aussie Challenge: More Than Just History
Let’s call it what it is: England’s last Test win on Aussie soil was way back in 2011. That stat alone is enough to give any fan flashbacks of collapsed innings and aggressive Aussie sledges. And with David Warner gearing up for his farewell series, the banter (and bouncers) will be flying.
Yet this time seems different. Stokes has created a team that not only withstands the heat but thrives in it. Even without their captain and missing their main bowlers at The Oval, England lost by six runs. That’s character. Stokes is not just fired up; he is focused on making history down under.
The Ashes aren’t just about skill; they are about mindset. And mindset is how Stokes, who will be fresh and fingers crossed injury-free by 21 November, will bring the “all in” Bazball approach to Perth.
The Selection Dilemma No One’s Talking About
Here’s where things get juicy: assuming Stokes is fit, who’s joining him in the bowling attack? With Archer and Wood on permanent injury watch and Woakes nursing battle scars, the spotlight may fall on the fresh legs of England’s next-gen quicks.
Atkinson and Tongue impressed with raw pace and maturity beyond their years, while Overton’s grit spoke volumes under pressure. But can they handle the Aussie wickets, where bounce and aggression dominate? Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum have a massive call to make—and it could define the entire Ashes campaign.
And let’s not forget the wildcard: a returning Mark Wood or a suddenly fit Jofra Archer could completely change the dynamic. Either way, England’s bowling blueprint will need to be bold, because Australia at home? They don’t forgive mediocrity.
Ben Stokes saying “I’m looking forward to getting to Australia” isn’t just a quote—it’s a declaration. But this time, they’re going in with scars, stories, and a whole lot of belief.
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