LONDON — Winning the Ashes for England in Australia this winter would be Ben Stokes' greatest miracle, says chief cricket reporter Stephan Shemilt. The England captain, known for his heroics in the 2019 World Cup and the 2022 Headingley Test, faces perhaps his toughest challenge yet: leading a depleted squad to victory Down Under against a formidable Australian side.
The Scale of the Challenge
England’s record in Australia over the past three decades makes grim reading for fans. Since their last Ashes triumph in 2010-11, England have lost four consecutive series in Australia, often by heavy margins. The 2021-22 tour was particularly brutal, ending in a 4-0 defeat. "It’s not just about winning—it’s about surviving," remarked former England captain Michael Vaughan.
Several factors make this winter’s task even harder:
- Australia’s formidable home record—they haven’t lost a Test series at home since 2016-17.
- England’s injury crisis, with key bowlers like Jofra Archer and Olly Stone ruled out.
- The absence of a settled top order, with question marks over openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett.
Stokes’ Leadership: A Game-Changer?
Since taking over as captain, Stokes has transformed England’s approach with his aggressive "Bazball" philosophy, inspired by coach Brendon McCullum. England have won 11 of their last 13 Tests under his leadership, playing fearless cricket. "Stokes doesn’t just believe in winning—he believes in rewriting the rules," said Nasser Hussain.
Key Battles to Watch
The series could hinge on a few critical matchups:
- Stokes vs. Pat Cummins – A clash of two inspirational captains.
- Joe Root vs. Nathan Lyon – England’s best batter against Australia’s spin king.
- Mark Wood vs. David Warner – Raw pace against a seasoned opener.
The Miracle Factor
Stokes has built a reputation for pulling off the impossible—most famously in the 2019 World Cup final and the Headingley Ashes Test. But winning in Australia would eclipse even those feats. "If he pulls this off, it’ll be his greatest achievement," said former England coach Trevor Bayliss.
The odds are stacked against England, but Stokes thrives under pressure. His ability to inspire teammates and seize momentum could be the X-factor. As Shemilt noted, "With Stokes, miracles don’t just happen—they’re expected."
Conclusion: Belief Over Logic
On paper, Australia are clear favorites. But cricket isn’t played on paper—it’s played in the minds of men like Ben Stokes. If anyone can defy logic and script an Ashes miracle, it’s him. As the series approaches, one question lingers: "How far can Stokes’ belief take England?"