Ashes 2023: "I Think I’ll Give 100% Of What I’ve Got All The Time," Ben Stokes On His Bowling; Says England Will Continue To Play With Bazball Approach

Published - 15 Jun 2023, 10:33 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:15 AM

Ben Stokes {PC: Twitter}

England skipper Ben Stokes opened up about his side’s approach for the upcoming Ashes 2023. He said that his side will continue playing with the same style and also opened up about his bowling, saying that he will give his 100% in all five games.

We are just one sleep away from the greatest rivalry in the world cricket. England is all set to host Australia in the five-match Test series at their home. The Ashes will begin from 16th June in Edgbaston followed by the Lord’s Test on 28th June. The third game will be played on July 6th in Leeds whereas the last two games are slated to take place on July 19th and July 27th at Manchester and the Oval respectively.

Two of the best teams in the longest format of the game will be in action. Both England and Australia over the last year have played a staggering brand of cricket and are yet to lose the series. Australia under Pat Cummins has done wonders and recently won the ICC World Test Championship Final.

Also Read: Ashes 2023: “It’s A Different Format, Different Environment” – Harry Brook Optimistic Of Excelling In Ashes Series

Whereas England on the other hand has looked a class apart since the time Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes took charge. They have won series both at home as well as in away conditions. They have adopted the fearless approach in Tests and are leaving no opportunities to score runs.

On the eve of the first Test, England skipper Ben Stokes said that even though conditions will be tough, they will try to play in the positive mode as they have done. He remarked, saying that they will face the ball, not the man. Speaking to reporters, he said:

“We have found a style and a way in which we want to play our cricket that has been very successful and regardless of the opponent, that’s what we are going to stick to. Obviously, conditions can dictate how you can do that but we will always try to adapt to the conditions and still have that positive mode, which is to go out and have as much fun as we can and always look to put pressure on the opposition regardless of who it is. Not facing the man, but facing the ball.”

Also Read: Ashes 2023: “I Can’t See Him Playing” – Ryan Harris On Josh Hazlewood Ahead Of The First Test Match Against England

Ashes 2023: “I have got myself in a real good place to be able to bowl,” says Ben Stokes

Ben Stokes, who hasn’t bowled since February 2023 due to a knee injury, had quite a few bowling sessions in the build-up to the Ashes. The all-rounder has regained his fitness and it is expected that he will play the role of fourth seamer in the Ashes 2023 for England.

When asked about his bowling fitness, Ben Stokes said that he has got himself in a good position to bowl and no matter what he will give his 100%. He explained:

“Really good for my confidence. I have bowled every day so far and been able to run in with more intensity, day by day. I have got myself in a real good place to be able to bowl. But (bowling coach) David Saker has obviously come in and he mentioned something to me last week when we were in Scotland. He said if you are still bowling by the fourth and fifth test, we have done something right. I think I’ll give 100% of what I’ve got all the time.”

England have won 12 of their 17 tests under Ben Stokes. They have not suffered a defeat in their home conditions in Ashes since 2001. The all-rounder would be hoping to maintain that record and win the series.

Also Read: Ashes 2023: “There Are Big Question Marks On David Warner” – Brad Hogg Furious At The Star Batter