Stokes: ‘Don’t Be Afraid’ Ahead of ‘Biggest Ashes Ever’
As England prepares to step onto Australian soil for the 2025 Ashes, captain Ben Stokes has issued a rallying cry that cuts through the nerves and nostalgia: “Don’t be afraid.” Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of what he and head coach Brendon McCullum have dubbed “the biggest series of all our lives,” Stokes emphasized mental clarity over fear—a message that could define England’s campaign Down Under .
With a 12-man squad named for the first Test—including the surprising inclusion of off-spinner Shoaib Bashir—the stage is set for a bold, high-stakes battle. But Stokes knows that tactics alone won’t win the urn; mindset will.
Table of Contents
- Stokes’ Bold Mindset Message: Fear Has No Place
- Why Ashes 2025 England Is Being Called the ‘Biggest Series’
- Shoaib Bashir’s Selection: A Tactical Gamble?
- England’s Ashes History in Australia: A Daunting Record
- Can ‘Bazball’ Survive Australian Conditions?
- Key Battles to Watch in the 2025 Ashes
- What Success Looks Like for England
- Conclusion
- Sources
Stokes’ Bold Mindset Message: Fear Has No Place
“We’d be lying to ourselves if we said this wasn’t the biggest series,” Stokes told Sky Sports, echoing McCullum’s September declaration . But instead of letting the weight crush them, Stokes is reframing it as fuel. “You have to go out there with clarity. Not fear. Not hesitation. Just purpose.”
This isn’t just motivational speak—it’s a direct response to England’s historical anxiety in Australia. Too often, English players have arrived mentally defeated before the first ball is bowled. Stokes, the architect of miracle wins at Headingley and Lord’s, is determined to break that cycle.
Why Ashes 2025 England Is the ‘Biggest Series of All Our Lives’
For McCullum and Stokes, this Ashes isn’t just about reclaiming the urn—it’s about legacy. Consider the context:
- England hasn’t won an Ashes series in Australia since **2010–11**.
- Australia, led by Pat Cummins and Steve Smith, are formidable at home.
- This is likely the final Ashes for legends like Joe Root and possibly Stokes himself.
- The ‘Bazball’ revolution is being tested on its toughest stage yet.
As McCullum bluntly put it in September: “This is the biggest series of all our lives” . The stakes couldn’t be higher.
Shoaib Bashir’s Selection: A Tactical Gamble?
The inclusion of 21-year-old off-spinner Shoaib Bashir in the 12-man squad raised eyebrows. With Nathan Lyon still a force and Australian pitches traditionally favoring pace, why pick a second spinner?
Analysts suggest it’s about flexibility. If England wins the toss and bowls first on a dry Perth or Sydney track, Bashir could be a surprise weapon. His inclusion also signals Stokes and McCullum’s willingness to back young talent—part of their broader rebuild.
England’s Ashes History in Australia: A Daunting Record
Since 1986–87, England has won just **one** Ashes series on Australian soil (2010–11). In the last three tours (2013–14, 2017–18, 2021–22), they’ve lost 12 of 15 Tests .
The psychological barrier is real. But Stokes believes that acknowledging the past—not ignoring it—is the first step to overcoming it.
Can ‘Bazball’ Survive Australian Conditions?
The aggressive, fast-scoring ‘Bazball’ approach revolutionized home Test cricket. But Australia’s searing heat, bouncy pitches, and relentless pace attack pose a different challenge.
Stokes insists the philosophy remains: “It’s not about reckless hitting. It’s about intent. Even in defense, you play with conviction.” The key will be adapting intent to context—something England hasn’t always done well overseas .
Key Battles to Watch in the 2025 Ashes
- Ben Stokes vs Pat Cummins: Captain vs captain, grit vs precision.
- Joe Root vs Nathan Lyon: A classic duel—England’s best batter vs Australia’s spin king.
- Harry Brook vs Josh Hazlewood: Can England’s most explosive batter handle Australia’s metronome?
What Success Looks Like for England
While winning the series is the ultimate goal, even a 2–2 draw in Australia would be hailed as a massive achievement under current conditions. More importantly, Stokes wants his team to “leave everything on the field—no regrets.”
[INTERNAL_LINK:england-ashes-history-down-under] provides a deeper dive into past tours and turning points.
Conclusion
Ben Stokes’ message ahead of the Ashes 2025 England campaign is simple yet powerful: courage over caution, clarity over fear. With McCullum’s backing and a squad blending youth and experience, England may not be favorites—but they’re refusing to be victims. As Stokes said, “We know what’s at stake. Now we play like we believe we belong.” In the theatre of the Ashes, that belief might just be their greatest weapon.