England captain Ben Stokes has issued a powerful challenge to his team ahead of the Ashes opener in Perth, urging them to “create our own history” as the visitors begin their quest for a first Ashes series win in Australia since 2010–11.
Only five England teams have returned with the urn since World War II, and just two in the last 40 years. Stokes, who has been central to many iconic Ashes moments, acknowledged the scale of the task but expressed belief that this group can rewrite history.
“Coming to Australia, playing against Australia, they’re a seriously good team,” Stokes said on the eve of the first Test. “Everyone knows our record here isn’t the best. But we’ve got an opportunity over the next two and a half months to write our own history.”
He added that England’s target is clear: “We’ve come here with the goal to return mid-January as Ashes winners. But we know beating Australia in Australia is never easy.”
Strong England travelling support returns
After Covid restrictions kept the Barmy Army away during the 2021–22 series, thousands of England fans have travelled for this tour, creating a noticeably different atmosphere.
“It’s always a big build-up for the Ashes, but it feels even bigger this time,” Stokes said. “We’ve seen so many English supporters already. The reception tomorrow will be brilliant.”
Selection calls: All-pace attack on the cards
With Australia missing frontline quicks Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood for the opener, England sense a chance to strike early. Stokes and Brendon McCullum are considering an all-pace XI, which would leave out spinner Shoaib Bashir.
Mark Wood, who bowled only eight overs in the Lions warm-up due to minor discomfort, has been declared fit.
“He’s flying,” Stokes said. “He’s been bowling for a long time now and he can always hit the ground running. And he’s bowling rapid, which is good.”
Stokes back to full all-rounder role
The England captain confirmed he has fully recovered from the shoulder injury that kept him out of the last Test against India.
“I’ve come into this series fully taking on the all-rounder role with bat and ball,” he said. “I’ve worked very hard to give full commitment to both. I want to eke everything out of this body I can — and I’ll do that in an England shirt.”
The Ashes 2025 opener begins in Perth on Friday.
