England cricket captain Ben Stokes expressed confidence that his team can rebound in the Ashes series, currently trailing Australia 2-0. And ahead of the decisive third Test in Adelaide beginning Wednesday, Stokes told some of the more senior players to raise their games. He emphasized that the team’s success and the country’s pride rests on their performance.
Stokes admitted that he’s in a tough spot, saying that there are hard questions to ask and answer. His team has been on the receiving end of two consecutive eight-wicket drubbings, leaving them with their backs against the wall to produce a better showing in Adelaide. And finally, he said, you have to trust your players. These are the moments when you look to those you’ve invested in to make them pay dividends,” he said.
Temperatures are predicted to climb into the high 30s during the Test. Stokes blogged about the need for mental preparation with his players. The last thing he said was his desire to not be the replacement for another Nasser Hussain, who was publicly torn apart during his time as captain. Unlike Hussain, Stokes did actually announce he wouldn’t bowl first if he wins the toss in the third Test. Ever since Brendon McCullum assumed head coach duties, his team has never failed to bowl first after winning the toss. They’ve achieved this in 14 of their last 24 Tests won after winning the toss.
Stokes knows his stuff. He is, at least, as laser-focused on one thing as he is to a failure — a winning victory. “It’s a lot easier for us, actually. It really clarifies everything for us,” he said. He thinks actively pursuing dialogue with the Australian side is critical. He continued, “If a moment comes up and we feel like okay, we kind of need to get a bit niggly here, then I guarantee you it’s gonna happen. We’re all gonna jump on those moments as a team.
His captain’s demands foreshadowed what his players would need to do in order to make history. Stokes said he’s looking for those guys to be the difference makers for the team this week. He thinks they’ll make the country proud with their accomplishments. He highlighted that instead of being obligated to each other, they should just be held to doing their jobs well.
Stokes faces a crucial match ahead, knowing that victory is imperative for any hope of reclaiming the Ashes. The stage is set as England prepares for this important match. Beyond one-off individual performances, the team’s overall resilience and adaptability may well determine how their fate in the series.
