In a press conference last week, recently appointed England cricket captain Ben Stokes made headlines. Most controversially, he challenged the notion that the team should train as “has beens” of yesteryear. His candid comments set off a firestorm of debate among players and analysts. This is all happening as England gears up for the start of a Timber-themed Ashes series against the Australians. The opening Test begins on November 21. This is all in the context of only eight days after England’s warm-up game against their development side.
Stokes’ remarks came as he emphasized a modern approach to preparation, stating, “we can’t prepare how the has-beens maybe prepared.” In defending his position, he pointed to the need for a new approach in an ever-changing game. His comments have resulted in backlash from a number of former players, bringing into question from what planet the team’s current strategy is hailing.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan weighed in on the matter, asserting that Stokes must acknowledge the perspectives of past players. Vaughan noted, “England have to accept that there will be scrutiny,” adding that the views of former greats should not be dismissed outright. He further stated, “Just because the ‘has-beens’ have a different view does not mean these are not valid comments.”
In Stokes’ defense, Paul Farbrace, England’s assistant coach, maintained the captain was being “disrespectful.” “It’s no miracle cure,” Farbrace added. Stokes had sought to inspire the team. He noted he wanted them to tune out outside noise and focus on their own planning. He stated, “Don’t be kidded by thinking this England team aren’t prepared,” emphasizing that the current squad is committed to their game plan.
As an initial step towards their preparations, England will take part in a three-day warm-up match which kicks off on Thursday. This match will act as their final tune-up ahead of the hotly-anticipated, high-stakes Border-Gavaskar Test series with Australia. The team’s laser focus is on recording its first win on Australian soil since the 2010-11 series. Then they suffered a crushing shutout 4-0 defeat.
Critics of England’s approach have emerged, with former players expressing concern over the team’s readiness. As English cricketer Graham Gooch put it regarding the forthcoming warm-up match, “really it’s glorified practice.” Ian Botham lamented the prevailing approach calling it “arrogance personified.” Michael Vaughan echoed these sentiments by calling England’s strategy a “huge risk,” referencing the team’s previous tours where they played four warm-up matches against local sides before being decisively defeated.
Few would deny that this new-look Stokes England, helped by head coach Brendon McCullum, are well-placed to enjoy success in Australia. It’s their best chance since their last victory in 2010-11. It’s the team’s aggressive style of play that’s raised expectations to new heights.
Farbrace was keen to stress that Stokes’ message should be interpreted as a call for unity and concentration, rather than a warning shot. He stated, “All Ben Stokes is saying, forget the noise, forget everything that is going on.” This feeling, we know, is indicative of a longing to focus on substance instead of the outside sniping.
Despite the differing opinions among former players and analysts regarding preparation strategies, it is clear that all parties share a common goal: success for England on the international stage. David Gower suggested a middle ground, saying, “I hate to say it, somewhere in between is the right solution.”
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