Daijiworld Media Network - Adelaide
Adelaide, Dec 16: England captain Ben Stokes has urged his team to show “a bit of dog” as they prepare for the crucial third Ashes Test against Australia, beginning at the Adelaide Oval on Wednesday.
With England trailing 2-0 in the five-match series, the third Test has become a must-win encounter if they are to keep their hopes of regaining the Ashes alive. The match also carries personal significance for Stokes, who returns to the Adelaide venue where he made his Test debut 12 years ago.
England are also aiming to end a 17-match winless streak in Australia, a challenge Stokes believes can only be met through attitude and on-field fight rather than words in the dressing room.
“We don’t do big speeches or slogans on screens. We have proper, meaningful conversations. What’s been said has been said. I’ve done all the talking over the last two days that I needed to,” Stokes told reporters on Monday. “Now it’s about what gets seen out on the field in Adelaide this week.”
Stokes stressed the importance of competing fiercely in every situation. “It’s about fighting in every situation you find yourself in, understanding what’s required for your team, and looking at your opposition every single time and showing a bit of dog. That’s fight to me,” he said.
The England skipper pointed to the dramatic third Test win against India at Lord’s in July as a source of inspiration, where England claimed a narrow 22-run victory under intense pressure.
“That Lord’s game is exactly what I’m on about. We were probably in a situation where we had to be absolutely perfect to win, and we were. The attitude and mentality towards that situation gave us the best chance of winning,” Stokes said, adding that the example has been referenced throughout the current Ashes series.
Addressing team selection, Stokes explained the decision to leave out spinner Shoaib Bashir for the Adelaide Test. All-rounder Will Jacks retained his place to provide greater batting depth, while Josh Tongue replaced fellow seamer Gus Atkinson.
“It’s not about Bash at all. We’re 2-0 down and we need to win the next three,” Stokes said. “Having Jacksy at number eight strengthens our batting a bit deeper, and he’s more than capable of contributing with the ball when needed.”
Stokes concluded by saying the squad is fully aware of the challenge ahead. “Everyone’s very switched on about what needs to be done this week. There are a few more expectations around the group, but everyone has responded incredibly well. Because what other option do we have?”