Stokes calls for support for players in 'tough' time
‘England must stir themselves to find a Christmas miracle’
During that overwhelming summer of 2022, the Bazball spirit injected vitality into an England Test squad that struggled to secure victories on the field and were fatigued by Covid limitations off it. Currently, the criticism is that England has become excessively laid-back. You either perish a hero or endure long enough to witness your own downfall. England has faltered despite, and as a result of, the tactics employed by Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum. New Zealander McCullum, an advocate of the All Blacks’ renowned ‘no dickheads’ policy, approved the journey to Noosa, accepting all inherent risks. This policy, established by mental skills coach Gilbert Enoka, empowers players to self-regulate. Enoka has collaborated with England under McCullum’s guidance. Stokes has experienced severe media scrutiny, particularly following the 2017 incident outside a Bristol nightclub that deprived him of a spot on the subsequent Ashes tour. “I have first-hand experience of how this can affect people,” Stokes remarked. “My responsibility as England captain is to safeguard my players as much as I can.” This is a reasonable and commendable viewpoint to adopt. Perhaps, though, it has arrived too late. England has encountered numerous unjust accusations during this Ashes tour. Former Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson described them as “arrogant,” a claim Stokes wisely refuted. Nevertheless, Stokes’ squad has exhibited carelessness, slackness, and genuine thoughtlessness. They were aware of the pitfalls they might encounter in Australia – director of cricket Rob Key cautioned them against acting “stupid” back in September. History seems to have repeated itself. During the Ashes tour eight years ago, there was the Jonny Bairstow ‘headbutt’ incident and Ben Duckett pouring a beer over James Anderson. This led local media to question Moeen Ali, a practising Muslim, on whether he could refrain from visiting pubs. At the conclusion of the 2021-22 tour, a video surfaced showing a drinking session that necessitated police intervention to disperse players from both teams. Even in the absence of off-field distractions, touring Australia proves to be challenging. England’s record in this nation this century stands at played 33, lost 26, won four, and drawn three. Out of the four victories, three were achieved in one single series where England clinched the urn in Australia for the sole instance in the last 39 years. The squad included England’s finest opener, their two all-time leading Test wicket-takers, their best spinner from the past 40 years, and arguably the most gifted batsman in the nation’s history. Three players in the team have received knighthoods.
Published: 2025-12-25 10:04:00
source: www.bbc.com
