'We're going to play without fear' - Ben Stokes' stern warning to Australia ahead of Ashes 2023

The oldest rivalry in international cricket is about to get re-ignited as England and Australia are all set to lock horns in the Ashes 2023 starting from June 16 at Edgbaston. Ahead of the series, Australia are looking in great form as they’ve dominated India in the first two days of the World Test Championship final. However, England captain Ben Stokes is unfazed by the Australian challenge and has said that his side will play fearless cricket in the upcoming series.

Stokes admitted that the pressure of the Ashes is unlike any other series but his team is ready for the action-packed summer. The all-rounder is confident of the results his team has got in the past year and is eager to replicate that in the upcoming series. Stokes further advised his team to play without any fear and stop being afraid of failure.

"It's not like any other series. There's the pressure, the hype, and the extra noise that comes with it, but we're ready for all that this summer. We've had some good results in the last year and the mindset in the group is so strong. Everyone is fully committed to what we're doing,” Stokes was quoted as saying by PLANETSPORT.

“We know how good we are and that on our good days, we can beat anyone on their good days. I promise you: We're going to play without fear. We want to create an environment where everyone has the freedom to try things without fear. I know it hasn't always been that way, even though we've always had the ability. Hold nothing back. Express yourself. Show us what you can really do. As captain, I'm not going to be chewing people out in press conferences or in the media for trying to play a big shot,” he added.

England to regain Ashes for the first time since 2015

Notably, England are playing a new brand of cricket under the leadership of Ben Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum. They’ve revolutionized Test cricket with their new aggressive brand of cricket popularly known as ‘Bazball’. The Ben Stokes-led side are on a roll as they’ve won 10 out of their last 12 Tests which include a 3-0 whitewash of Pakistan in an away series.

The ‘Three Lions’ have failed to regain the Ashes in the last three series which include a drawn series in 2019. They last won the Ashes in 2015 by 3-2 under the leadership of Alastair Cook. The upcoming series is expected to be an evenly-matched contest between the two teams.