We want fast, flat wickets in the Ashes and we want to go out there and score quickly – Ben Stokes

3 years AGO
Virat
Virat Verma Cricket expert
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Ben Stokes says we’ve been very clear with the ground staff around England about what type of wickets we want and they've been very responsive to us, which is good

England skipper Ben Stokes has warned Australia that he has asked for “fast, flat wickets” to take the attack to the Ashes holders later this year. Stokes believes the pitch conditions will be key in helping England defeat Australia in a Test series for the first time since 2015.

England skipper Ben Stokes has warned Australia that he has asked for “fast, flat wickets” to take the attack to the Ashes holders later this year. Stokes believes the pitch conditions will be key in helping England defeat Australia in a Test series for the first time since 2015. 

The all-rounder wants the quick pitches that will allow England to adopt the aggressive game plan he has used with such success since taking over as captain to be created at Edgbaston, Lord’s, Old Trafford, Headingley, and The Oval, the five venues hosting Ashes Tests.

“We’ve been very clear with the ground staff around England about what type of wickets we want and they’ve been very responsive to us, which is good,”

Stokes said on Sky Sports on Tuesday.

“We want fast, flat wickets. We want to go out there and score quickly. I’m smiling because I’m looking forward to it.

“There’s no point changing just because we’re coming into an Ashes series. Every player knows the Ashes are where everything ramps up a bit – pressure, exposure, all kinds of stuff – but we’ll just keep sticking to what we do.”

Stokes has spoken frequently of his willingness to lose in pursuit of victory.

When England lost the series decider against New Zealand in Wellington by one run after declaring their first innings and enforcing the follow-on in February, he pushed that mentality to the brink.

Even with the Ashes on the line, Stokes said he would not accept a draw, which would have settled the series in England’s favor.

“Hold me to it. Every game I play this summer will be to produce a result,”

he said.

“I’m not going to change anything just because it’s the Ashes. I’m not going to change for anything or any situation, because then I’m not being true to myself and what I’ve done over the last year.”