Ben Stokes Defiant on Ashes Prep 2025: “Balls to the Wall” Warm-Up Amid Has-Beens’ Criticism
England captain Ben Stokes has fired back at critics labeling his side’s Ashes preparations “arrogant,” insisting the team will go “balls to the wall” in their sole three-day warm-up against the England Lions starting November 13, 2025, at Lilac Hill Park in Perth. With the first Test at Optus Stadium looming on November 21, Stokes dismissed former stars as “has-beens” while confirming his fitness after a July shoulder injury.
Key Points
- Warm-Up Game: England XI vs Lions, November 13-15, Lilac Hill (non-first-class)
- First Test: Optus Stadium, Perth, November 21-25
- Stokes Fitness: Full all-rounder role; bowling at intensity for 2 months
- Vice-Captain Switch: Harry Brook replaces Ollie Pope; Pope retains No. 3
- Australia Update: Pat Cummins out (back); Steve Smith captains opener
- Critics: Botham, Vaughan, Gooch question single warm-up; Stokes: “Cricket’s changed”
Stokes’ Bold Response: No Time for “Has-Beens”
England’s arrival in Perth sparked headlines—Stokes splashed across The West Australian as “Cocky Captain Complainer.” But the 34-year-old captain brushed it off with humor: “Unbelievable journalism—pushing a suitcase through an airport. Gutted they switched to Rooty; I was waiting for my next headline.”
Deeper barbs came from legends: Ian Botham called prep “arrogant,” Michael Vaughan a “huge risk,” Graham Gooch “glorified practice.” Stokes didn’t mince words: “Cricket’s changed. Preparation isn’t simple like 10, 15, or 30 years ago. We’ve prepared for years, leaving no stone unturned. I don’t know what else we’re expected to do.”
He added: “The has-beens prepared differently—it’s all changed. We’re comfortable because we know our process.”
England’s approach mirrors five prior Stokes-McCullum tours: First Tests won every time (Pakistan 2022, New Zealand 2023, India 2024, West Indies 2024, Sri Lanka 2025).
The Warm-Up: Intensity Over Tradition
Thursday’s three-day fixture pits England’s 16-man Ashes squad against Lions at suburban Lilac Hill—England’s only prep before Perth.
Stokes: “Next three days: balls to the wall for everyone—no easing in. By November 21, we’ll be good.”
Teams unconfirmed, but all seniors play; non-XI join Lions. Batters/spinners trained Wednesday; pacers rested post-Tuesday session.
Historical contrast:
- 2010-11 (England’s last Aussie win): 3 warm-ups (2 wins, 1 draw)
- 2021-22 (Covid-shortened): 2 vs Lions (abandoned)
- Pre-2021: 3-5 games typical
Reasons for brevity:
- Packed schedule: Fresh from New Zealand ODIs (November 1-9, 3-0 win)
- Weak opposition: Sheffield Shield ongoing; no strong state sides available
- Modern focus: Net sessions, gym, video analysis over matches
Stokes: “We’ve put thought into this for years. Factors like schedule mean we can’t tour two months early.”
Assistant coach Marcus Trescothick: “It’s not glorified practice—full XI vs XI intensity.”
Stokes’ Fitness: “Good Place” for Full Series
Absent since July’s India fifth Test (shoulder tear sidelined him), Stokes bowled 17 wickets in first four—his heaviest load.
Update: “Been bowling full pace two months. Last three: fitness focus. Sensible rests, but ready for all five.”
With Australia’s Pat Cummins out (back stress fracture; Steve Smith captains Perth), Stokes eyes edge: “Urn destination? Who spends most time on field.”
Injuries plagued Stokes: No full series in past four (knee 2023, hamstrings 2024). Now: “Building to get here—beast mode.”
Leadership Shuffle: Brook In, Pope at 3
Harry Brook replaces Ollie Pope as vice-captain—natural progression after Brook’s white-ball captaincy.
Stokes: “Popey’s done amazing at 3—consistent selection. In possession.”
Trescothick hinted Pope stays; Jacob Bethell eyes chances via New Zealand white-ball tour (Bethell plays; Pope doesn’t).
Stokes on Pope’s VC role: “Valuable behind scenes. Helped through tough periods. Brook’s senior now—right time.”
Squad (16-man):
- Ben Stokes (c), Harry Brook (vc), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wk), Josh Tongue, Mark Wood
Hype and History: Australia’s Edge, England’s Hunger
Drawn 2-2 in 2023, 2025-26 Ashes: England’s best shot since 2010-11 win.
Schedule:
| Test | Venue | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Optus Stadium, Perth | Nov 21-25 |
| 2 | Gabba, Brisbane (D/N) | Dec 4-8 |
| 3 | Adelaide Oval | Dec 17-21 |
| 4 | MCG, Melbourne | Dec 26-30 |
| 5 | SCG, Sydney | Jan 4-8 |
Australia: Cummins misses opener (ruled out October 27; resumes bowling week of November 11). Hazlewood cleared (hamstring); Abbott out (hamstring).
Stokes on media: “Expected in Australia. Laugh it off—don’t let it affect us. First-timers: It’s off-field too.”
England’s goal: Regain urn Down Under first time since 2010-11.
Verdict: Preparation Pays—Stokes Trusts the Process
Stokes’ defiance echoes Bazball: Aggressive, unapologetic. Single warm-up? Proven winner in five tours.
Critics like Botham (2017-18 4-0 loss despite 4 warm-ups) ignore evolution. Stokes: “Very comfortable—we’ll be ready.”
Perth awaits. England: Hungry underdogs. Australia: Wounded giants. Urn on the line.
