The Ashes: Ben Stokes defends England criticism from ‘has-been’


In a packed schedule, England have simply completed a white-ball collection in New Zealand.

Even when that they had organized a string of first-class matches in Australia, their opposition most likely wouldn’t have been robust, given the continued home Sheffield Protect competitors.

Criticism of the build-up has come from previous gamers on each side of the Ashes divide.

“Cricket has modified a lot,” stated Stokes. “Preparation is nowhere close to so simple as it was once. You may come out on a tour two months earlier than the primary sport began.

“We have been getting ready for this tour not during the last three weeks, however placing a variety of thought and course of into this for a number of years now. I do not know what else we’re anticipated to have the ability to do.

“There are fairly a number of components that go into why we will not put together how the has-beens possibly ready previously. It is all modified. We’re very snug with how we put together as a result of we go away no stone unturned.”

Stokes, 34, has not performed since being dominated out of the ultimate Take a look at towards India in the summertime.

He was excellent in that collection earlier than sustaining the damage, which got here after he put himself by means of a heavy bowling workload. Accidents have prevented Stokes from finishing any of England’s previous 4 Take a look at collection.

Nonetheless, he has been bowling at full tempo in coaching, which he stated he has been doing for 2 months.

With Australia captain Pat Cummins lacking the primary Take a look at due to a again damage, the eventual vacation spot of the urn could possibly be influenced by which skipper spends most time on the sector, and Stokes stated he’s in a “good place” to get by means of the collection.

“That is all I have been doing for final three months; ensuring I am match and powerful,” he stated.

“When the Take a look at collection begins, it is about being wise by means of the remainder intervals, about how a lot work I do, as a result of I have been constructing as much as get right here now.”

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