- The England captain has gone on the attack at the Aussie media
England captain Ben Stokes has slammed an Aussie newspaper that essentially described him as an arrogant whiner, and has disclosed which headline about a star teammate left him upset.
Members of the England squad have been touching down in Perth ahead of the first Ashes Test, which kicks off next Friday at Optus Stadium.
But it’s current captain Stokes, and No.1 Test batter Joe Root, who have been subject to the most public scrutiny.
As Stokes flew in last week, he was exposed to commentary by The West Australian newspaper that declared him as a ‘Cocky Captain Complainer’ who was still ‘smarting from crease-gate’ (referencing the infamous incident where Jonny Bairstow was controversially stumped at Lord’s in 2023).
The phrase, and the publication’s description of Joe Root as a ‘Dud Root Down Under’ struck a nerve with Stokes.
‘It’s another one of those things we’re going to have to deal with, especially some of the guys out here for the first time,’ Stokes said.
Ben Stokes (pictured) has defended himself and his teammates ahead of the first Test
The England captain will hope he has much more involvement across this Ashes series than he did in the 2021-22 edition – a series in which he battled persistent injuries
Joe Root (pictured) has conquered almost every challenge he’s faced in his career – but is still yet to score a Test century on any Australian ground
‘From my personal experience, coming to Australia for the Ashes is a lot different to anything else we play in.
‘There’s a lot more that goes on away from the cricket itself.’
The West Australian’s off-colour commentary about Root, who is England’s highest ever Test run scorer, has left Stokes unimpressed to say the least.
‘I was a bit gutted when they turned their attention over to Rooty, because I was waking up waiting to see what the next headline of me was,’ he said.
The skipper also took aim at England legends Michael Vaughan and Ian Botham.
He slammed the pair for their criticism of touring side for only playing one tune-up match ahead of the first Test next week.
‘There’s quite a few factors that play into why we can’t prepare how the ‘has-beens’ maybe prepared in the past,’ he said.
‘But we are very confident and very comfortable with how we prepare, because we leave no stone unturned.’
Stokes (pictured speaking to the media) leapt to the defence of his team’s preparation and claims they are primed for a memorable Ashes series
Former England captain Michael Vaughan (pictured) is not a fan of England’s lead-in to what has become the most anticipated Ashes series in recent memory
England fast bowler Jofra Archer (pictured) faces a new challenge this summer – and hasn’t played an Ashes Test since 2019
The upcoming match is new territory for England, with no player having taken part in a Test at Optus Stadium.
England’s only opportunity to do so, in the 2021-22 Ashes series, was taken away by then WA Premier Mark McGowan who refused to budge on harsh COVID border restrictions.
The touring side hasn’t won an Ashes series since 2015, and has not tasted victory on Aussie soil since 2011.
Their pace attack, headed by fiery quicks Mark Wood and Jofra Archer, will look to decimate an Aussie batting line-up that is still uncertain, with the choice of Usman Khawaja’s opening partner up in the air.
