08 June 2023 , 15:08
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England captain Ben Stokes has vowed his side will continue to "play without fear" and "hold nothing back" as they look to regain the Ashes this summer.
Australia have held the urn since winning the 2017-18 Ashes 4-0 but they have not won a series in England since 2001, losing four and drawing one. After being whitewashed in the most recent Ashes series, England have been rejuvenated by the captain and coach combination of Stokes and Brendon McCullum.
They have pioneered a more positive and aggressive approach to Test cricket, dubbed 'Bazball' after McCullum's nickname, which has seen them win 11 out of 13 matches against New Zealand, India, South Africa, Pakistan and Ireland. And Stokes has promised England will continue to play 'Bazball' against Australia, writing in the Players' Tribune : "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're going to hold nothing back. And we're going to make some memories. Hopefully, the result is that we take the urn back, but the most important thing is that — whatever happens — you will be entertained."
Stokes and McCullum have repeatedly stated that a key part of their mission has been to ensure both fans and players do not lose interest in Test cricket amid the rise of lucrative T20 franchise leagues. And the all-rounder has once again made an impassioned plea to cricket chiefs to help "keep test cricket alive".
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He added: "It's about inspiring the next generation of players. And that doesn’t just mean kids like I was, but also the up-and-coming crop of players who are already here and making the big decisions about their careers.
Stokes and Brendon McCullum have pioneered 'Bazball' (Philip Brown/Getty Images)"The landscape is changing. Cricket as a sport is evolving in a huge way. Faster than it ever has before. Formats like T20, The Hundred and ODI's are bringing money and opportunities for players that didn't exist even 15 years ago.
"When I was growing up there was no greater privilege than to represent your country in a Test match — and I still believe that, by the way — but I'm not naive. Cricketers have short careers and I know players are going to make decisions about which route they go down based on financial security for them and their families. It's natural.
"I really want boards across the world to get their heads around this, which they seem to be having a hard time doing. Rather than fight against it, we need to embrace it. Yes, we may lose a few talented players along the way, but the best way to keep Test cricket alive and at the pinnacle of the sport is to work harder to show players something that excites them and inspires them."