England cricket captain Ben Stokes is in Perth. The Australian media is subjecting him to unprecedented pressure as the long awaited Ashes series looms. One tabloid outlet derisively called him “England’s Cocky Captain Complainer,” encapsulating the argumentative and unforgiving spirit around his return. Despite this, Stokes has remained resolute, declaring at the end of day three, “I am not walking off that pitch until we have won the game.” His resolve hardens as he prepares for what is undoubtedly going to be a grueling set.
Stokes’ leadership qualities and ability to balance the team are well recognized, especially by former England batting coach Mark Ramprakash, who has worked closely with him. Ramprakash was full of praise for Stokes’ important all-round contribution to the team. His big call is that if Stokes plays all five Tests, then England will secure the Ashes “quite comfortably.” This kind of sentiment just goes to show how important Stokes could be to the team’s success.
Stokes has fought his way through a catalogue of injuries that prevented him from playing in England’s past three series. With years of work under his belt, now, he’s back and ready to play! This past winter, he famously ripped his hamstring apart during a Test match in Pakistan. Most recently, he limped out of a game on New Zealand shores due to the tough injury comeback taking a turn for the worst. He has been unavailable for the fifth Test vs India this summer. On his day of absence, England managed to win that match and tie the series 2-2.
Stokes played a massive role in reclaiming the Ashes. His most memorable century came in just his second Test, against Australia on the 2013-14 tour in Perth. His experience and skill will be crucial as England try to wrestle the Ashes back.
On a more jovial note, Stokes and his fellow England cricketers took to the golf course on Monday. Their entertaining adventure revealed their deep friendship away from the pitch. Ramprakash, who is a former cricketer, lauded Stokes’s instinct to connect and engage with his teammates. This underrated skill enhances Stokes’ status as a leader in the team’s nucleus.
Even as Stokes prepares for the series, he is under the acute psychological pressure of the Australian press. At the same time, nobody has higher expectations for him than his fans and teammates.
“There has been a lot of chat about him [never scoring a hundred in Australia] so he is going in with a lot to prove.” – Jack Leach
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