England captain Ben Stokes has quietly produced one of the most striking statistical stories of the Ashes 2025–26 so far, having faced 422 balls across the series, more than any other batter from either side.
No other player — Australian or English — has spent more than 300 deliveries at the crease, underlining just how much time Stokes has had to absorb under pressure. While his returns in terms of runs have not always matched the scale of his effort, the numbers highlight his role as England’s primary resistance amid repeated top-order collapses.
In the third Test at Adelaide, Stokes once again showcased his willingness to dig in, bringing up a grinding half-century off 159 balls — the slowest fifty of his Test career — before eventually being bowled by a Mitchell Starc nip-backer for 83. The innings followed a similar pattern to earlier Tests, where Stokes chose time and survival over fluency, often batting deep into hostile spells against Australia’s fast bowlers.
Across the series, England’s top and middle order have struggled to occupy the crease for extended periods, placing added responsibility on their captain. Stokes’ 422 balls faced not only top the chart but also reflect England’s broader challenge — the need for more batters to match his staying power if they are to compete consistently in Australian conditions.
With England trailing in the series, Stokes’ endurance has been notable, but the numbers also underline a stark reality: England need support, not just defiance, if they are to turn time spent at the crease into match-changing totals.
