The much-awaited Ashes 2019 will kick off from August 1 with England taking on Australia at Edgbaston in Birmingham. The hosts will be desperate to make a double after winning their maiden World Cup this summer. Ben Stokes, who took over the vice-captaincy from Jos Buttler, revealed that he just can’t wait for the Ashes to begin.
Love to beat Australia: Stokes
England had a good preparation playing a one-off Test match against Ireland at the Lord’s. Although they won the game within three days, Irish bowlers posed difficult questions when they bowled out England for just 85 runs in the first innings. Joe Root & Co didn’t field their best XI though giving off to some players due to a hectic schedule in the World Cup. The likes of Jos Buttler and Ben Stokes alongside debutant Jofra Archer will be back in the side which will bolster them ahead of the first Test.
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England and Wales Cricket Board(ECB) reappointed Ben Stokes as the vice-captain removing incumbent Jos Buttler. The all-rounder has been in scintillating form in recent times as he played a significant role in helping his side clinch the maiden World Cup. Stokes is keen to make a double this summer and also revealed that he loves beating Australia the most. Stokes also feels that he is in the best shape to raise his game and bring home the Ashes urn.
“I simply cannot wait for this Ashes series to get started. This is the team I love playing against and beating more than any other and that is the only thing occupying my mind right now,” Stokes said to BBC.
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“It brings out the best in me and I feel like I’m in the best possible shape to rise to the challenge in terms of experience, fitness and skill,” he added.
Ben Stokes also said that there were no hard feelings from Jos Buttler after ECB stripped from the vice-captain role. Stokes and Buttler share a great camaraderie and will look to give their best and keep Australia losing track intact in England since 2001.
