Ben Stokes issues ultimatum to England, demands players unleash ‘the dog’ ahead of must-win Ashes Test

England captain Ben Stokes has urged the team to unleash “the dog” ahead of the third Test against Australia during the Ashes 2025-26 season. Stokes said that showing more fight does not look the same for every player, but the overall mindset must change to keep the team alive in the five-match Test series.

England are trailing 0-2 after two heavy defeats in Perth and Brisbane. The losses have extended their long winless run on Australian soil, leaving the series in danger of slipping away. England will take on Australia in the third Test in Adelaide from December 17. They would be hoping to keep their Ashes hopes alive.

Show a Bit of Dog, That’s Fight to Me - Ben Stokes

Ben Stokes said that the focus should be on fighting against Australia at every opportunity, staying competitive in all situations, and showing resilience and aggression when it matters for the team.

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"What it [fight] means to me could be completely different to someone else. It's just trying to fight in every situation that you find yourself in and understanding the situation and what you feel is required for your team. Just look at your opposition every single time and show a bit of dog. That's fight to me," Stokes said.

No English side has ever overturned a 0-2 deficit to win the series. The only team to manage such a comeback was Australia in 1936-37, due to Sir Don Bradman’s extraordinary batting across three Tests.

I’m Not Going to Expect or Ask a Completely Different Character - Ben Stokes

The veteran all-rounder said that England players should not try to copy others when showing fight on the field. Stokes believes each player should find their own way to compete and contribute, playing to their natural strengths and mindset.

"It comes a lot easier to me, it might be a lot harder for other people because of their personalities or whatever that may be. I'm not going to expect or ask a completely different character to me to carry on like me," Stokes stated.

"That's like asking me to carry on like someone like Jamie Smith, who's a lot more laid back. It just wouldn't work. However, you find the best way to find that mode that I'm talking about, that's probably the best way to explain it," he added.

You’ve Got a Bit of Dog in You - Ben Stokes

Ben Stokes and Will Jacks showed fight in the second Test, adding a 96-run partnership from 221 deliveries. It did not change the result, but it delayed Australia’s victory. Stokes said that committing to the challenge and backing that mindset as a team gives the best chance to compete, especially under pressure.

"I could have gone out there on that morning session in Brisbane and nicked off first ball, but going out there with that mentality and that mindset is what fight is to me.

"As long as you go out there and everyone is in that mindset around the situation and what is needed, you're giving yourself the best possible chance if you've got a bit of dog in you."

Also read: Not just Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma! BCCI makes Vijay Hazare participation mandatory for all India players