Ben Stokes has scored 183 runs and taken 13 wickets during the 2025-26 Ashes
‘A lion leading lambs’ – Stokes needs England team-mates to step up
However, Stokes will captain a team that is nearly unrecognizable compared to the final Test of the previous Ashes series in 2023. England will feature five players from that match. If Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood had been healthy, Australia could have fielded as many as nine from the last series. There was speculation before this series that its outcome might hinge on which captain endures the most time in the game. Cummins has played only one match but has secured a victory. Stokes will finish a Test series for the first time in two years yet may still find himself on the losing side. Australia possesses a ready-made vice-captain in Steve Smith and could easily delegate the captaincy to Travis Head and Alex Carey if needed. Often characterized as aging and past their prime, the Australians have demonstrated they are composed of seasoned players who know how to fight. Since the last Ashes, England has lost, replaced, or transitioned from Stuart Broad, James Anderson, Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow, Chris Woakes, Ollie Robinson, and Jack Leach. When viewed separately, the selections made were justified and necessary, yet have ultimately left England short on leadership. Too frequently during this tour, it has felt as though Stokes is a lion guiding lambs. Duckett, Jamie Smith, and Gus Atkinson have struggled in high-pressure situations, Mark Wood’s injury has deprived the pace attack of an experienced bowler, and Harry Brook acts as a vice-captain still searching for growth. On Friday, Zak Crawley, whose 63 Tests will make him England’s third-most experienced player in Sydney, was questioned about his status as a senior player. “I never see myself like that to be honest,” remarked the opener. “I don’t think anyone in the team truly does.”
Published: 2026-01-03 12:02:00
source: www.bbc.com
