England captain Ben Stokes dismissed concerns about his team’s limited Ashes preparation on Wednesday, saying it’s impossible for modern players to prepare the same way touring sides did in the past due to today’s hectic cricket schedule.
Former England all-rounder Ian Botham had questioned the team’s readiness for the first Test, which follows just a few days of training and an internal warm-up match in Perth before the series begins there on November 21.
“I’m not really sure what more we could do, to be honest,” Stokes told reporters at Lilac Hill Park ahead of Thursday’s internal match. “The schedule these days is packed, and we simply can’t prepare like teams did 10, 20, or 30 years ago. The game has changed a lot since then.
“We’ve been planning for this series for a long time, and by the time the 21st comes around, we’ll have done everything possible to be ready and start the tour the way we want.”
Pace duo bring X-factor
Stokes confirmed he is fully fit and eager to contribute with both bat and ball. He also expressed excitement about seeing fast bowlers Jofra Archer and Mark Wood in action.
“It’s fantastic to have the X-factor that Jofra and Woody bring with their raw pace,” Stokes said. “Woody has recovered really well from his knee surgery and looks great. Jofra’s been out for two and a half years, so seeing him charging in again is brilliant.”
While Archer and Wood draw attention, Stokes praised the overall depth and versatility in England’s fast-bowling lineup.
“It’s not just about speed—it’s about skill,” he noted. “We’ve got a strong group of quicks who are not only fast but also very skillful in all conditions. The bowlers complement each other well, and that’s important over a tough five-match series.”
Ready for the challenge Down Under
Stokes said he found the ongoing war of words between both camps “quite funny” but also reminded younger players how demanding an Ashes tour in Australia can be.
“Playing an Ashes series in Australia is unlike anything else,” he said. “There’s so much that happens off the field as well. I’ve just told the lads to be aware of that—but not to be intimidated. It’s a great opportunity, and we shouldn’t shy away from it.”
