Sir Andrew Strauss has hailed Ben Stokes as “phenomenal” ahead of the upcoming Ashes series but has warned the England Test captain of Australia’s efforts to get under his skin.
Stokes is looking to lead England to their first series win in Australia since 2010/11, with the combined scoreline on the three tours since reading a dismal 13-0 against the tourists.
And the media mind games began immediately when the England skipper was labelled a “cocky complainer” by the West Australian newspaper when the team arrived in Perth ahead of the first Ashes Test on November 21.
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England captain Ben Stokes says that his side done everything possible to be ready for the first Ashes Test against Australia from November 21 after criticism of the tourists’ preparations.
Stokes has also shrugged off criticism from some former England players for their perceived limited Ashes preparations, which consisted of one three-day warm-up match against England Lions, labelling the complaints as coming from “has-beens”.
“I think he’s phenomenal Stokesy,” Strauss said on the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast. “I love his approach; I love how clear he is in his thinking and I love the fact he really doesn’t care what any of us think about what they’re doing.
“He’s pushed English Test cricket forward quite a substantial way, alongside [head coach Brendon] McCullum.
“But he has got vulnerabilities, Stokes.
“We know he’s an emotional guy. And I think the Australians, as a nation, they’re going to really try and get under his skin over the course of these five Test matches.
“As a captain, you need to be able to suck that up and almost show that you’re unaffected.
“I think Stokes is going to find that difficult to do, but what he can do, and what he’s done very well in the past, is answer with his performances on the pitch – those incredible, inspired performances, some of England’s greatest performances of all time, with bat and ball.
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England captain Ben Stokes sends a message to the less experienced members of his side that The Ashes is ‘different’ but ‘nothing to be afraid of’.
“He has the ability to do that, but it’s going to be very draining for him, mentally.
“If England lose a Test match or two early, that’s going to be a real challenge for him.”
Hussain: Bazball has wound Australia up
Sky Sports’ Nasser Hussain, who captained England on their 2002/03 Ashes tour of Australia, believes the tourists’ playing style dubbed ‘Bazball’ under Stokes and McCullum has got under Australia’s skin.
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The Sky Sports Cricket podcast discuss why England have such a poor Ashes record in Australia and Nasser Hussain suggests Bazball has ‘wound up’ the hosts.
“You’re taking on a nation, you’re taking on the papers, the press, the crowd,” Hussain said of the challenge that awaits.
“‘Bazball’ has wound Australia up. They have been waiting for this particular England squad to get over there.
“So you need tough cricketers. You look, historically, at who’s done well against Australia, it’s [Ian] Botham, Stokes. [Stuart] Broad, Strauss, Alastair Cook, Kevin Pietersen, those sorts of people that are going to take them on.
“I think you need those sort of characters in your set up, because Australia will come at you hard for weeks on end.”
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
