LONDON — The transformative impact of England's Test leadership under Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum has been praised by all-rounder Will Jacks, who says the environment they have cultivated makes new players feel "on top of the world." Jacks made the comments after receiving a surprise recall to the squad for the high-pressure Ashes series, highlighting a culture built on unwavering positivity and fearless cricket.
Jacks, initially named in the squad as cover for the injured spinner Jack Leach, found his role elevated following a series of fitness concerns within the camp. His inclusion is a testament to the 'Bazball' philosophy, which values aggressive, multi-dimensional players. The 24-year-old credited the leadership duo for instilling a confidence that allows players to perform without fear of failure, a stark contrast to the often tense atmospheres of international cricket.
An Unforgettable Phone Call
Jacks described the moment he learned of his Ashes selection as surreal. The call from Stokes and McCullum was not just a formal notification but a powerful injection of belief. "It was incredible," Jacks recounted. "The first thing they said was, 'We love the way you play, we want you to be yourself, and we've got your back no matter what.' It immediately takes the pressure off. You don't feel like you're walking on eggshells."
This approach is a hallmark of the Stokes-McCullum era. Since taking charge in the summer of 2022, they have overseen a dramatic reversal in England's Test fortunes, transforming a team that had won just one of its previous 17 matches into an exhilarating, victory-hungry unit. Their method is built on a few core, publicly stated principles:
- Relentless Positivity: Mistakes are seen as part of the process, not reasons for criticism.
- Unconditional Backing: Players are selected to play their natural game, without caveats.
- Aggression as Default: Whether batting, bowling, or fielding, the intent is always to seize the initiative.
For a young player like Jacks, stepping into this environment is liberating. He noted that the leadership's focus is not on technical overhauls or defensive-minded game plans, but on empowering the individual. "They make you feel ten feet tall," he said. "Stokesy and Baz have this incredible ability to make every player, especially the new guys, feel like they truly belong. It’s not just talk; you see it in how they treat everyone, from the stars to the reserves."
The 'Bazball' Effect on Newcomers
The success of this philosophy is evident in the performances of debutants under the new regime. Players like Harry Brook, Rehan Ahmed, and Ben Duckett have been thrust into the Test arena and encouraged to play with the same freedom they exhibit in county cricket and franchise leagues. The results have been spectacular, with Brook, in particular, becoming one of the most feared batsmen in the world in a remarkably short time.
Jacks explained that this trickle-down effect creates a powerful sense of security within the squad. "When you see how they backed Harry from day one, or how they let Rehan bowl without putting restrictions on him, it sends a message to the whole group. You know that if you get your chance, you will be given the license to express yourself. That belief from the captain and coach is everything." This environment stands in sharp contrast to the past, where players often spoke of the fear of being dropped after a single poor performance.
A Cultural Reset
The cultural reset engineered by Stokes and McCullum extends beyond the boundary rope. The dressing room, once a place of intense pressure, is now described as a supportive and enjoyable environment. McCullum's experience as a transformative captain for New Zealand and Stokes's innate, empathetic leadership have combined to create a unique partnership. Their mantra is simple: cricket is a game to be enjoyed, and success will follow enjoyment.
This was put to the test during the recent Test against Ireland at Lord's, where England suffered an early top-order collapse. Instead of panic, the response was characteristic of the new era. Stokes himself played a counter-attacking innings, and the message to the lower order remained one of attack. Jacks observed that this unwavering commitment to their style, even in adversity, is what makes the team so resilient. "They never blink. That gives everyone so much confidence," he added.
The Ultimate Test: The Ashes
The recall for the Ashes represents the biggest challenge of Jacks's career. The historic rivalry with Australia is the pinnacle of Test cricket, known for its intense scrutiny and pressure. However, Jacks believes the Stokes-McCullum environment is the perfect preparation for such a cauldron. The external pressure is immense, but the internal environment is designed to be a pressure-release valve.
"Walking into an Ashes series is huge, but because of how Baz and Stokesy operate, I feel ready," Jacks stated. "They don't focus on the opposition or the hype. The entire focus is on us, on how we want to play our cricket. It simplifies everything. My role is clear: be positive, back my skills, and contribute to the team's energy. They’ve made it clear that’s all they expect."
This mindset is crucial for England's Ashes prospects. With key players like Jofra Archer and Olly Stone managing fitness issues, and the late withdrawal of Jack Leach, the squad's depth will be tested. The ability to integrate players like Jacks, Josh Tongue, and potentially others seamlessly into the high-stakes environment could be a decisive factor in the series outcome.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan commented on the significance of this leadership style, noting, "What Stokes and McCullum have done is remove the fear. In an Ashes series, that can be worth more than a hundred runs or a five-wicket haul. They’ve created a culture where players are excited, not terrified, by the biggest stage."
A Lasting Legacy
Beyond the results and the entertainment value, the Stokes-McCullum era is shaping a generation of English cricketers. Young players coming into the system are being imbued with a positive, aggressive mindset from the start. The success of the Test team is also influencing how the game is played at the county level, as players aspire to fit the 'Bazball' mould.
For Will Jacks, the experience has already been career-defining. Whether he features prominently in the Ashes or serves as a vital squad member, the confidence instilled in him by the leadership will have a lasting impact. "It’s the best environment I’ve ever been a part of in cricket," he concluded. "They make you feel on top of the world, and when you feel like that, you can achieve anything."
As England prepares to face Australia, the world will be watching to see if this revolutionary approach can conquer cricket's oldest and fiercest rivalry. But for the players in the dressing room, the message is already a resounding success: they have been empowered to play without fear, backed to the hilt by a captain and coach who have made belief their most potent weapon.