'Ben Stokes is the best cricketer in the world': Michael Vaughan’s colossal claim before Ashes

The stage is set for the Ashes 2025-26 as Australia and England will revive their rivalry with the first Test at the Optus Stadium in Perth on Friday, November 21. Ahead of the Ashes series opener, former England captain Michael Vaughan has made a bold statement on Ben Stokes.

England’s recent record against Australia doesn’t look great, especially Down Under. They haven’t won a single Test match there since 2011. Over the past decade, England has managed to win only seven Tests, while Australia has won 14 games, with four matches ending in a draw.

Michael Vaughan calls Ben Stokes the World’s Best Player ahead of Ashes 2025-26

Additionally, the Kangaroos dominated England in their Test history. They have won 152 Tests against England, while England has 112 wins to their name, with 97 matches finished as draws. The English team has not won the Ashes series Down Under since 2010-11.

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Ahead of the all-important first Test in Perth that will be missed by Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, Michael Vaughan stunned the cricket world by ranking Ben Stokes above everyone else in the world. The cricket pandit said that the current England captain is not just a great all-rounder, but he is also the kind of player who can change a match on his own.

Vaughan said on SEN Cricket: “Pound for pound, I think Ben Stokes is the best player in the world. He can win games off his own bat, as we know.”

"Pound for Pound I think Ben Stokes is the best player in the World. He can win games off his own bat as we know."

- Michael Vaughan

— SEN Cricket (@SEN_Cricket) November 20, 2025

Michael Vaughan backs Ben Stokes-led England to end 14-year Ashes drought in Australia

Earlier, Vaughan felt the Ben Stokes-led England cricket team have everything needed to finally win an Ashes series in Australia for the first time since 2010-11. He believes that the touring side has strong batting, real pace, and solid leadership, with Stokes being the key player who can lift the team’s chances even higher in the upcoming Ashes series.

He also stressed that winning the first Test in Perth on November 21 will be crucial. The commentator advised England to start well, focus on the basics, stay sharp in the field, avoid early collapse, and play smart cricket instead of confusing caution with negativity.

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Vaughan wrote in his column for ‘The Telegraph’: “They have the tools to win in Australia. Good batting, proper pace, and great leadership. In Stokes, they have the best player on either side when he is fit and firing. If he is, their chances of winning rise again. I think they have to win the first Test in Perth to win the series. Being blown away on day one would be a nightmare for England. They need to use their brains, which they should not confuse with playing negatively.”

Michael Vaughan urges England to stay strong and seize their biggest Ashes opportunity

He also urged Stokes and his team not to fall apart, whatever happens in these Ashes, as many of the players will get another shot at the Ashes in 2027 and beyond, because most of them are in their 20s. However, the commentator feels this is their best chance to win the Ashes in Australia.

Vaughan signed off by saying, “This England group has been building towards this for four years and will never have a better chance to win Down Under than this. Now grasp it.”