England will keep all external noise out and concentrate on what we do: Ben Stokes

The 2023 Ashes series got underway at Edgbaston on Friday, June 16, with England and Australia locking horns for the prestigious urn. England captain Ben Stokes opted to bat first after winning the toss in the opening Test.

As Stokes headed out for the toss alongside Pat Cummins in the opening Test at Edgbaston in Birmingham, he said leading England for the first time in the Ashes is a special moment for him. The 32-year-old also stated that it is difficult at times to filter out the noise, but he believes it is something England have been extremely excellent at in the last year to keep all the external noise out. 

"Leading the team here after all the hype is a very special moment for me and a very special moment for the rest of the guys in the team. It's tough at times [to block the noise] as it brings a lot of hype and energy but I think it's something we have been very good in the last year to keep all the external noise out and concentrate on what we do," Stokes said at the toss as quoted by India Today.

Stokes has had remarkable success after taking the role of England captain in the longest format of the game. Following England's loss in the 2021-22 Ashes, Joe Root stepped down as captain and Chris Silverwood was sacked as head coach. However, former New Zealand cricketer Brendon McCullum took over the coach's role while Stokes was named as the captain of England's Test team.

It's great to have Moeen Ali back: Stokes

Ben Stokes then expressed his joy at having off-spinner Moeen Ali return to the XI for the first Ashes Test. Ali, who had announced his retirement from Test cricket after England’s India tour in 2021, was recalled after left-arm spinner Jack Leach sustained an injury ahead of the series. The England skipper stated that he has seen Ali put in some incredible performances in England and that he went to him because he knows what he can offer the team. 

"It's great to have Mo back. Very unfortunate injury to Leachy. He's been a muscle power to our group and it was very sad to get that news. I've seen Mo produce some unbelievable performances on some great days in England shirt and I went to him because I know what he can offer to the team. Great to have him back and hopefully he enjoys it out there," the English skipper added.