
As the Ashes series unfolds with gripping intensity, Ben Stokes has issued a challenge to his team to create a decider that can rival the legendary 2005 series. Despite the high stakes, Stokes also expressed the hope that the current cricket craze, inspired by this summer’s thrilling matches, will continue even if England fails to reclaim the Urn.
The level of anticipation surrounding this Ashes series has been comparable to the iconic 2005 clash. With all three Tests going down to the wire, two of them have tipped in Australia’s favor. To secure an extraordinary comeback from a 2-0 deficit, England must now win the remaining two contests, which would lead to a 3-2 series victory.
Drawing parallels to the memorable 2005 Ashes, Stokes acknowledges the potential for an incredible finale if England emerges victorious in Manchester this week, levelling the series 2-2 and setting up an even more momentous showdown at the Oval.
“It would be amazing,” Stokes exclaimed. “We’re focusing more on winning this game and going to the Oval 2-2, but then if we take a step back, that last game would be everywhere, it would be great to be part of. If that does happen and we do go to the Oval, we’ll be challenging 2005 for one of the best series in England.”
Throughout this summer’s Ashes series, England’s aggressive and captivating style of play, influenced by Stokes and Brendon McCullum’s leadership, has gripped the nation’s attention. However, Stokes understands that in cricket, captaincies are often defined by Ashes outcomes. Despite the stakes, he remains hopeful that the broader impact of his team’s performances will survive even if Australia wins the series.
Stokes compared the current scenario to the 2019 World Cup and Ashes, where cricket garnered significant interest from both devoted fans and new enthusiasts. He observed, “This year I think we have captured the imagination of a few more people, whereas 2019 felt like we were getting a lot of cricket fans coming up to us and saying well done. Now, it’s more people who don’t even like cricket.”
While aspiring to win the Ashes, Stokes emphasized the importance of maintaining cricket’s growing popularity beyond this series. He hopes the enthusiasm and excitement surrounding the sport won’t wane if the series doesn’t go England’s way. Regardless of the outcome, Stokes remains committed to the team’s progressive approach under Brendon McCullum’s leadership, with plenty more Test matches on the horizon. The passion and fervor for cricket shall continue to flourish as they carry forward their cricketing ethos.