Ben Stokes has been called a “cocky complainer” by Australian media as the England captain arrived in Perth ahead of the first Ashes Test.
A picture of Stokes pushing a trolley laden with luggage at the airport was accompanied by the headline ‘Baz Bawl’ on the front page of the West Australian newspaper.
“England’s Cocky Captain Complainer, still smarting from ‘crease-gate’ lands in Perth early thinking dopey ‘BazBall’ can take the Ashes,” read the sub-head in reference to an incident in the last series when Jonny Bairstow was controversially stumped.
The article went on to criticise England’s tactics under Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum, dubbing it “carefree and careless thrash batting”.
Australia have named their squad for the first Test in Perth, which begins on November 21, with Marnus Labuschagne recalled, injured skipper Pat Cummins missing out, and three uncapped players – Jake Weatherald, Sean Abbott and Brendan Doggett – called up.
Australia’s First Ashes Test squad: Steve Smith (c), Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster
Ashes series in Australia 2025-26
All times UK and Ireland
First Test: Friday November 21 – Tuesday November 25 (2.30am) – Optus Stadium, PerthSecond Test (day/night): Thursday December 4 – Monday December 8 (4.30am) – The Gabba, BrisbaneThird Test: Wednesday December 17 – Sunday December 21 (12am) – Adelaide OvalFourth Test: Thursday December 25 – Monday December 29 (11.30pm) – Melbourne Cricket GroundFifth Test: Sunday January 4 – Thursday January 8 (11.30pm) – Sydney Cricket Ground
