London: As England prepare to embark on one of cricket’s toughest missions — reclaiming the Ashes on Australian soil — captain Ben Stokes once again finds himself at the centre of the nation’s ambitions. For a player already celebrated for his match-winning heroics on the world stage, leading England to an Ashes victory Down Under would stand as the crowning glory of his career.
Stokes, now 34, has repeatedly carried England in defining moments, from dragging the side to white-ball World Cup triumphs to producing unforgettable Test match miracles. Yet an Ashes conquest in Australia — something achieved by only three England captains in the past 50 years — would elevate him into the pantheon of the country’s all-time greats. Andrew Strauss was the last to do so in 2010–11.
Speaking to the media in Perth, Stokes made his intent clear. “I’ve come here absolutely desperate to get home on that plane in January as one of the lucky few England captains who have come here and been successful.”
He acknowledged the scale of the challenge ahead: “We know it’s a huge task coming to Australia… It is a huge two-and-a-half months for us.”
A Challenge Like No Other
England’s previous away Ashes victories came against Australian sides in transition. Strauss’s 2010–11 win and Mike Gatting’s 1986–87 triumph were built on disciplined performances against comparatively unsettled teams. Mike Brearley’s 5–1 success in 1978–79 came when Australia had been weakened by the exodus of players to World Series Cricket.
This Australian side, however, is a far stronger unit — ranked No.1 in the world and stacked with experience and firepower. Even with Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood unavailable for the first Test, Australia retain the depth to make England’s task formidable.
The Stokes Factor
To many analysts, England’s hopes hinge on one man. Australian former Test pacer Ryan Harris believes Stokes will be the defining figure of the series. “I’ve got him as one who will stand out down here… If he’s back bowling the way he can, you can build your attack around that.”
Stokes’s record in Australia underscores the threat he poses. In just his second Test, he scored a brilliant 120 at the WACA in 2013 and later took eight wickets at the SCG. Even during England’s 5–0 whitewash on that tour, he was a rare bright spot.
Outside of an injury-hit Ashes campaign in 2021–22 — when he was returning from a mental health break — Stokes has consistently troubled Australia. His legendary 135* at Headingley in 2019 is still regarded as one of the greatest Ashes innings of all time and a hallmark of the aggressive cricket England now embody under his leadership.
Legacy on the Line
Stokes may not yet have dominated an entire series like Ian Botham in 1981 or Andrew Flintoff in 2005, but his influence on England’s transformational “Bazball” era has been immense. A full, fit series from him — both as captain and all-rounder — could be the decisive advantage England need.
He understands the weight of the moment. “This is our chance to create our own history. I know this series will be highlighted more than any other I’ve captained.”
An Ashes victory in Australia is the pinnacle for any English cricketer. For Ben Stokes, it would be the ultimate validation of a career built on defiance, resilience, and brilliance when it matters most.
