England’s captain, Ben Stokes, has acknowledged a shift in his approach as the team prepares to conclude a demanding year of Test cricket. Reflecting on the past months, Stokes admitted to a misstep in publicly emphasizing the upcoming Ashes series at the expense of focusing on immediate challenges, such as the ongoing series against New Zealand and the forthcoming Tests against India.
The third Test against New Zealand in Hamilton marks England’s 17th Test in 2024, a year rivaling 2016 in its intensity. Despite the grueling schedule, Stokes, at 33, feels reinvigorated, a sentiment mirrored by a team that has undergone a significant transformation. The average age of the side has dropped by nearly five years, thanks to the retirements of stalwarts like Jimmy Anderson, Stuart Broad, and Moeen Ali, as well as Jonny Bairstow’s exclusion. Their replacements, including Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Jamie Smith, and Shoaib Bashir, have added fresh energy and validated England’s strategy.
Stokes acknowledged the difficulty of moving on from Anderson, one of England’s all-time greats, at the start of the summer. While the decision was partly justified by Anderson’s age and the next Ashes series, Stokes admitted this rationale contradicted the team’s ethos of living in the present. With England leading 2-0 in the series against New Zealand, Stokes emphasized the importance of focusing on the immediate challenges, particularly the upcoming series against India.
“There is still a massive series before the Ashes,” Stokes said. He acknowledged his earlier misstep in overemphasizing the Ashes and stressed the need to prioritize the present. “Yes, every Englishman and Australian knows the Ashes is big, but we have six more Tests before that, including one against Zimbabwe. We have to focus on those games first.”
Reflecting on why he had spoken so much about future plans, Stokes admitted, “Maybe I felt like I had to start saying a few things differently, to sound like I was saying the right things, even without being true to myself.”
Stokes also expressed confidence in the team’s long-term prospects, emphasizing that the recent influx of younger players is not merely a policy but a reflection of the evolving cricket landscape. The rise of televised Twenty20 cricket has accelerated the development of emerging talents, providing them with a platform to showcase their skills. Stokes believes this younger core will eventually lead the team, just as he has done over the past two and a half years.
Among these rising stars is Harry Brook, whose remarkable performances have propelled him to the top of the Test batting rankings. Stokes praised Brook’s talent and work ethic, predicting an even brighter future for the 25-year-old. “Someone of his talent will only get better,” Stokes said, noting Brook’s admiration for Joe Root and his dedication to improving his game. “It’s quite scary where he could take himself.”
The team’s recent downtime in New Zealand provided a welcome break, with activities like golf and clay pigeon shooting offering moments of relaxation. As for the upcoming match, Stokes held off naming the playing XI, wanting to assess the fitness of his bowling attack. Meanwhile, attention in New Zealand centered on the possible farewell of Tim Southee, who is retiring after the match. Stokes lauded Southee’s contributions to New Zealand cricket, calling him “an incredible servant” and highlighting the significance of ending his career at his home ground in Hamilton.
As England concludes a rigorous year of cricket, Stokes’s reflections underscore the delicate balance between planning for the future and staying focused on the present. With key series still ahead, the captain’s recalibrated approach may be crucial in maintaining the team’s momentum and ensuring continued success.
