Stokes, who displayed a remarkable batting performance during the unsuccessful run chase, along with England coach Brendan McCullum, faced criticism for adhering to their aggressive and fearless style of play against the reigning test champions. Australia now only need a draw to retain the Ashes urn.
Stokes expressed his team’s determination to win the series with a score of 3-2, stating to reporters, “All we’re thinking about is winning the series 3-2.” He highlighted that England’s precarious position actually suits their bold approach to the game, which they have embraced since McCullum took charge in May 2022.
“It’s very exciting to know that the way in which we are playing our cricket actually couldn’t be more perfect for the situation we find ourselves in – we have to win these three games to get this urn back,” Stokes explained. He further emphasized, “We are a team who are obviously willing to put ourselves out there and do things against the narrative. So now these next three games are an even better opportunity for us than we’ve ever found ourselves in before.”
Stokes attributed the team’s success to providing each player with the freedom to play their own game and execute it to the best of their abilities. “What we’ve managed to do in the dressing room is give every individual clarity in what they want to do.”
“You’ve got the backing of the whole dressing room to go out there with something in your head that you feel is the best way to take the game on at that given time,” he explained. He encouraged the players to focus on improving their execution, stating, “I just tell the lads ‘Let’s try to make our execution better.'”
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Although Stokes had previously stated that the team would not be solely driven by results, he affirmed that England would remain committed to their mindset. “We’ll keep on giving every player the best chance to be completely clear in their head about what they want to go out and do,” he reassured.