'I want us to go out to Australia and win it back' - Ben Stokes determined for Ashes redemption

England captain Ben Stokes is determined to win the upcoming Ashes in Australia. Keeping that in mind, England have taken the bold decision of pushing James Anderson to retire from Test cricket as they eye the development of other pacers for the big clash series arch-rivals in 2025. Even before the two-match series against West Indies, Stokes has his mind on the series which is 18 months away, as he is ready for redemption.

Stokes noted that he will nearly be four years as captain by the time England travels to Australia for the next Ashes. He noted the importance of it and added to give all to bring the urn home. The 33-year-old stated that there are 18 months for them to prepare and expects the team to give their all to not just compete but beat Australia.

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“I've been captain for two years now. And two years is a long time for something to be fine for. But I also want to push this team as far as they can go. You look at where we've got to go in 18 months to Australia. We want to win that urn back. I'll be nearly four years as captain when we go out there,” Stokes was quoted as saying by The Standard.

“I want to be able to go out there knowing we've done everything possible right over this 18-month period to go there with a strong enough squad to not just compete with Australia but to beat them. It's probably the first time you've heard me speak like that about something so far away, but again it goes back to progression as a side. I want this team to progress over the next 18 months, so I'm focusing on that because I want us to go out to Australia and win the Ashes back,” he added.

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Stokes also decided to keep Jamie Smith in contention, who made his debut against West Indies. Senior players Jonny Bairstow and Ben Foakes were dropped as Stokes aims to figure out a perfect combination for the next Ashes.