Ashes 2025-26: Ben Stokes Fit and Fired Up – England Poised for “Comfortable” Victory if Captain Plays All Five Tests
England will beat Australia “quite comfortably” in the 2025-26 Ashes if captain Ben Stokes stays fit for all five Tests, according to former England batting coach Mark Ramprakash. With the series opener at Perth’s Optus Stadium starting November 21, Stokes—cleared of a July shoulder injury—heads a fully loaded squad ready to reclaim the urn Down Under for the first time since 2010-11. Ramprakash, who worked closely with Stokes from 2014-2019, insists the all-rounder’s presence is the ultimate difference-maker, balancing the side while igniting its fearless “Bazball” spirit.
Key Points
- Stokes declared 100% fit – bowling full tilt in warm-ups
- Ramprakash: “If Ben plays all five, England win comfortably”
- Australia depleted: Cummins (back) and Hazlewood (hamstring) miss Perth
- England prep: One three-day warm-up vs Lions (November 13-15, Lilac Hill)
- First Test: Optus Stadium, Perth, November 21-25 (live BBC/Sky)
- Series verdict: Experts split – England favored if Stokes dominates
Stokes’ return after missing chunks of recent series (hamstring 2023/24, shoulder 2025) electrifies England’s campaign. Ramprakash: “He connects like no one else—empathy for ups and downs. Knows international cricket’s toll.”
Stokes’ Fitness: The Decisive Factor in England’s Ashes Hopes
At 34, Stokes has endured a brutal injury run:
- July 2025: Shoulder dislocation vs India (missed fifth Test)
- December 2024: Hamstring tear vs New Zealand
- 2023: Knee/hamstring issues limited bowling
Yet November nets show vintage Stokes: 17 overs in warm-up (4-61), full pace, reverse swing. “Been building three months—sensible rests, but ready for five,” Stokes said November 14.
Ramprakash: “Without Stokes calling shots—when to attack, back bowlers—massive vacuum. His leadership elevates everyone.”
Australia’s crisis amplifies the gap: Pat Cummins (back stress fracture) and Josh Hazlewood (hamstring) out for Perth; Sean Abbott (hamstring) also sidelined. Mitchell Starc lone “big three” survivor; Brendan Doggett eyes debut.
McDonald (Australia coach): “Tight timelines—common injuries.”
England’s attack: Wood cleared (hamstring scare November 13); Archer, Atkinson, Carse, Potts hungry.
Stokes: “Australia media? Expected—laugh it off. First-timers: Off-field tests too.”
The Perth Opener: Fast, Furious, and Favored for England
Optus Stadium’s drop-in pitch—pace-friendly, average first-innings 312—suits England’s hit-the-deck bowlers. 2017 debut Test: Australia 662-9 dec; but 2025 forecast: 28-32°C, swing early.
England XI (expected):
- Crawley, Duckett, Pope, Root, Brook, Stokes (c), Smith (wk), Woakes/Atkinson, Wood, Carse, Leach
Changes: Ford at 10 (Serbia win); Pope retains No. 3 (Trescothick: “In possession”); Brook vice-captain.
Australia (probable): Khawaja, Weatherald, Labuschagne, Smith (c), Head, Webster, Carey (wk), Starc, Boland, Neser/Doggett, Lyon
Smith captains sixth time (5-1 record since 2021).
Head-to-Head (since 2019):
| Series | Result | Key Stokes Moment |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 (Eng home) | 2-2 draw | Headingley miracle 135* |
| 2021-22 (Aus) | 0-4 loss | Stokes limited (side strain) |
| 2023 (Eng home) | 2-2 draw | Lord’s 155; Old Trafford rain |
| 2025-26 | ? | Full fitness—game-changer? |
Ramprakash: “Stokes fit = comfortable England win.”
Why Stokes Changes Everything
On-Field Impact
- Batting: 6 Ashes hundreds (avg. 35.6); Headingley 2019 (135* chase 359)
- Bowling: 195 Test wickets; Perth 2013-14 century on debut
- Captaincy: 22 Tests (14 wins); fearless declarations (Edgbaston 2023)
Off-Field Aura
- Empathy: “Knows international toll—full backing”
- Inspiration: Leach on Headingley: “Wouldn’t walk off till win”
- Media bait: Perth’s “Cocky Captain Complainer”—fuel for fire
Campbell (Durham coach, WA native): “Wouldn’t crack at Stokes/Root—take it, give back spades.”
Trescothick: “Ben’s calm—drives us.”
Australia’s Vulnerabilities: Pace Depleted, Pressure On
Cummins/Hazlewood out; Starc lone threat. Smith: “Balance good—14 Shield Round 3.”
But McDonald admits: “Condensing months into weeks—challenging.”
Perth history: England’s last win 2010-11 (Cook 235*).
Forecast: 28-32°C; swing/seam early—England’s Wood/Archer dream.
Verdict: Stokes Fit = England Triumph
Ramprakash’s call resonates: Stokes all five Tests = “comfortable” England win. History agrees—2010-11 (Strauss/Cook/Finn dominant with full squad).
Australia wounded; England hungry. Stokes: “Balls to the wall—no easing in.”
November 21: Perth roars. Ashes 2025-26 begins—urn’s fate? Stokes’ shoulders.
