England enjoyed the episode but couldn't return the urn. Photo: Getty Images/Alex Davidson
The team has matured from the first two tests, full of guts to play with flair but not afraid of failure, with Stokes and coach Brandon McCallum maintaining a relaxed atmosphere despite the intensity of the 46-day Ashes streak. This week is not the time to miss it. The field has a green tint and should be good for the game. The outfield is lush so a backstop won't be a problem and Australia are considering having spinner Todd Murphy replace Cameron Green which will weaken their batting. England will go after Murphy and it was their approach that made Australia rethink their attack again.
“Remember when we were selecting the first squad for New Zealand, Brandon and I selected players that we thought would thrive in that kind of environment,” Stokes said. “It was my job and Baz’s [McCallum’s] job to give this talent freedom and not feel like it was limited in any way, shape or form, and when you do that, you can see the success that people have had. . it gives you the satisfaction that you were able to do it.”
Stokes is keen to see the work through to the next Ashes and will likely have knee surgery after this series to prolong his career. This is great news for England. His leadership is irreplaceable. The next generation is far from it. No one in the game has the presence or insight of a leader.
He has backed critically acclaimed players such as Zach Crowley and Johnny Bairstow and remains close to James Anderson, although his future will likely be decided when central contracts are awarded at the end of the summer, not right now. Stokes has the authority and affinity for Anderson to call him and talk about his future.
Win this week and some will say Stokes justified his approach, but that has already happened. Even if they lose, they must not go back. England is on the right track.
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