'We are rubbish, but not arrogant': Ben Stokes hits back at critics ahead of second Ashes Test

England captain Ben Stokes addressed claims that his team showed arrogance during the first Ashes 2025-26 Test against Australia in Perth. Ahead of the second Test, the veteran all-rounder admitted that England missed key chances in the opening match but said he was not happy with the “arrogant” label.

Australia took a 1-0 lead in the Ashes after dominating England in a Test match that ended in just two days. Left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc was instrumental in Australia’s victory. He took 10 wickets across the match, including a devastating seven-wicket burst in the first innings, and earned the Player of the Match.

England were left disappointed after letting the game slip quickly in the second innings, prompting strong reactions from former pacer Mitchell Johnson, who labelled the visitors “arrogant” following their defeat.

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I’d Rather Like ‘Rubbish’ Than Be Called ‘Arrogant’ - Ben Stokes

Ben Stokes hit back at claims that his team showed arrogance during the Perth Test, saying the criticism went too far. Stokes said that he is open to criticism and can accept people calling England “rubbish,” but added that the accusation of arrogance was unfair.

“Look, you can call us rubbish, call us whatever you want, we didn’t have the Test match that we wanted to. We were great in passages of that game, but I think arrogant might be a little bit too far,” said Ben Stokes in his interaction with the media.

“But that’s okay. We’ll take the rough with the smooth. I’d rather words like ‘rubbish’, but ‘arrogant’, I’m not so sure about that,” stated the England skipper.

“Arrogant might be a little too far.” 🙅

Former Australia pace bowler Mitchell Johnson called England “arrogant” and “cocky Poms” who are at risk of “serious embarrassment”.

Ben Stokes says he’s “not too sure” about allegations of arrogance. pic.twitter.com/KmT13PvW4z

— Test Match Special (@bbctms) November 29, 2025

Everyone Knows It Was a Slip of the Tongue - Ben Stokes

Several former captains, including Ian Botham, Graham Gooch, and Michael Vaughan, criticized the decision to play only one three-day practice game. Ben Stokes clarified that he never intended to insult former players and said the remark was an accidental slip.

"Everyone knows it was a slip of the tongue," said Stokes. "I got the words I said there completely wrong. I think everyone knows that.

"Has-beens is a horrible word. It's the only thing that managed to come out of my mouth in that moment. I'm going to be one of those one day. It's a complete wrong wording and I think everyone does know that it's not at all what I meant by that," he added.

Australia Take 1-0 Lead in Five-Match Test Series

Australia chased down 205 with ease in the Perth Test. Travis Head, who was promoted to opener, smashed a century off just 69 balls. He scored 123 runs, while Marnus Labuschagne continued with an unbeaten 51. The hosts sealed an eight-wicket win in a match that finished inside two days.

As England shifted to Brisbane for a five-day training block ahead of the day-night second Test at the Gabba, their preparations were disrupted by rain on Saturday.

Three unused players from the first Test, Jacob Bethell, Josh Tongue and Matthew Potts, joined the England Lions for a two-day pink-ball game. Mark Wood skipped the optional practice session, and he is expected to miss the second Test due to a flare-up of his left-knee problem.

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