England captain Ben Stokes focused on Ashes after historic series win against Pakistan

After winning nine out of their last ten Test matches, England captain Ben Stokes has set his sights on the all-important Ashes. 2023 will mark eight years since England last held the prestigious trophy and thus, it is high time for them to step up and continue their carnage to finally bring the trophy home.

Since the inception of Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes era, the team has redefined the methodology of playing Test cricket. They have started playing an aggressive brand of cricket and thus the opponents on most occasions have been pushed on their backfoot. Taking advantage of which, the English batters have not only dominated but eventually humiliated some of the world-class bowlers in recent times.

Now, in just eight months, the duo of McCullum and Stokes have already stamped their authority in Test cricket. During this time, they defeated New Zealand, South Africa, Pakistan and also won against India in the rescheduled fifth Test at Edgbaston. They have conquered every team they have played so far and now they wait for Australia, as they are scheduled to travel to England in the upcoming summer.

“I obviously have my eye on the Ashes and have got little things about that in the back of my head. We will just continue to grow as team, spend more time here as a unit, and keep enjoying having fun, playing cricket with a smile on our face and win as much as we can,” said England skipper Ben Stokes after their historic win over Pakistan.

It’s a great time to be playing for England: Stokes

Be it in red-ball cricket or in white-ball cricket, the English team had a phenomenal season in 2022. They have enjoyed success against some of the top-notch teams in Test cricket and also won the T20 World Cup in the month of November. Thus, Stokes believes that it is a great time to be playing for England but is also cautious about the time when the tables will turn.

“It is a great time to be in this dressing room and a great time to be playing for England. I'm just encouraging everyone to turn up every day and enjoy what you're doing. Obviously, it is easier to do when we are winning the way we are at the moment,” said the 31-year-old.

“The real test will be when things don't go so well and that will be the time to make that even more of a thing for us to take out there. But I hope we don't come to that,” he added.