England captain Ben Stokes has launched a strong response to recent criticisms from past England captains regarding his team’s Ashes preparations, dismissing the critics as “has-beens” and defending the current squad’s strategy. The opening Test of the 2025-26 Ashes begins in Perth on November 21, and much of the pre-tour debate has focused on England’s limited warm-up program — just one intra-squad fixture against the England Lions.
Former greats like Ian Botham and Michael Vaughan had publicly questioned the touring party’s lead-in, with Botham suggesting playing only one warm-up game “borders on arrogance.” Stokes rejected that viewpoint outright: “We’ve not been preparing for this tour over the last three weeks — we’ve put a lot of thought and process into this for a few years now.” He added that the game has evolved massively, arguing that older models of preparation are no longer feasible.
Acknowledging the tight schedule and evolving calendar of global cricket, Stokes told reporters that “you used to be able to come out on a tour a month and a half, two months before the first game. Now there’s so much cricket packed into the schedule… We have prepared incredibly well. All in different places and continents, but everyone has been preparing for this series for a long time now.”
Stokes was particularly dismissive of the commentary from former captains, maintaining that their perspectives are outdated. He said he wasn’t sure “what else we’re expected to do,” given the modern constraints of international cricket. When asked about limiting his remarks to the retired players, one source quoted him labelling them as “has-beens” — a provocative phrase that triggered further ripples among cricket commentators and former players. Vaughan and others responded by defending the value of expert opinion and cautioning that experience still counts.
On the field, Stokes emphasised confidence in his squad. Looking ahead to the first Test in Perth — where England haven’t won a series in Australia since 2010-11 — he rooted the conversation in belief rather than defensive posturing: “Come November 21, we’ll be good.” He also confirmed that the upcoming Lions match would be a full-on “balls to the wall” three-day fixture with no easing in, aimed at giving every squad member meaningful time in the middle.
From a tactical standpoint, Stokes’ remarks reflect broader shifts in how touring teams prepare today: with heavier travel, condensed schedules, franchise commitments and less time for lengthy state-side tours. His message is that England are adapting to the modern landscape rather than replicating the past. This tension between tradition and evolution forms much of the selection and preparation debate.
For fans and insiders alike, the real test will not be in press conferences but in performance. If England come out swinging with confidence in Perth, Stokes’ defence of the team’s approach may be validated. If they falter, the “has-beens” chorus will only grow louder. Regardless, Stokes has set a tone of defiance and belief, suggesting this England side isn’t willing to be hamstrung by the expectations or methodologies of previous generations.
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