Stokes Urges England to ‘Create History’ as Ashes Quest Begins

News Desk 

Islamabad: England captain Ben Stokes has called on his team to “create our own history” as they chase a rare Ashes series win on Australian soil — something achieved only twice in the past four decades and last accomplished in 2010–11.

Speaking on the eve of the series opener in Perth, Stokes acknowledged the difficulty of the challenge but insisted the current squad has the belief and ability to return home with the urn in mid-January.

“Playing Australia in Australia is never easy. Their record speaks for itself, and ours hasn’t been great here,” Stokes said. “But over the next two and a half months, we’ve got an opportunity to write our own history. Our goal is simple: to get on that plane home as Ashes winners.”

This Ashes tour already carries a different feel. England’s ‘Bazball’ era has been building toward this moment for nearly three years, and unlike the Covid-hit 2021–22 series, thousands of travelling fans — including the Barmy Army — are back in Australian stands.

“As players, we know how excited everyone is. We’ve seen so many English fans around already,” Stokes said. “It’s something you dream of as a kid — playing the Ashes in Australia.”

England sense a chance to start strong with Australia missing pace leaders Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood for the Perth Test. Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum are considering an all-seam attack, which would leave out off-spinner Shoaib Bashir.

Mark Wood, who bowled only eight overs in the warm-up match due to minor stiffness, has been cleared and is expected to feature. “He’s flying,” Stokes confirmed. “He’s dealt with injuries, but he’s been bowling for a long time. He can just hit the ground running — and he’s bowling rapid.”

Stokes also declared himself fully fit for all-rounder duties after recovering from a shoulder injury that kept him out of England’s last Test. “I’ve worked very hard to make sure I can give full commitment with bat and ball,” he said.

England have not won a Test in Australia since their historic 2010–11 triumph under Andrew Strauss. As the latest chapter of cricket’s fiercest rivalry begins, Stokes wants his side to believe they can end that long drought — and carve out a place in Ashes folklore.