Latest Ben Stokes News & Updates

Melbourne, Dec 27 (IANS) Joe Root said England have shown their real character and bravery with the bat as they have achieved a much-needed breakthrough by winning their first Test match on Australian soil since 2011, having beaten Australia by four wickets in the Boxing Day Test match at the MCG.As a result of this victory, England secured their first Test series win in Australia since January 2011 at the SCG. This was also Joe Root’s first-ever Test win on Australian soil in 18 matches, and fo…

Melbourne, Dec 27 (IANS) England ended an almost 15-year-long wait with a spirited victory on Australian soil in the fourth Ashes Test, defeating the hosts by four wickets in a frenetic Boxing Day contest here at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. While the Ashes remain out of reach, Ben Stokes’ side produced a statement performance, sealing the match in just 32.2 overs on Day 2.The Test was wrapped up inside two days on a surface that heavily favoured the fast bowlers, with not a single over deliv…

Melbourne, Dec 26 (IANS) Michael Neser described patience and discipline as the key to success after his standout all-round display on Boxing Day at the MCG helped Australia seize control of the fourth Test of the five-match Ashes series against England in Melbourne on Friday.On the opening day of the Test match, Australia established their dominance as both teams struggled against the moving ball. Australia were bowled out for 152 runs off 46 overs, following England’s decision to bowl first, w…

Melbourne, Dec 26 (IANS) Australia held a 46-run lead on day one of the Boxing Day Test after the hosts were bowled out for 152 and England replied with an even limper 110 as a record 20 wickets fell on the first day of the fourth Ashes Test here at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday.The last time 20 or more wickets fell on the first day of an Ashes Test in Australia was back in 1901-02, an era where cricket was played on uncovered pitches.After England won the toss and opted to field first,…

Melbourne, Dec 26 (IANS) The opening day of the Boxing Day Test witnessed a controversy involving the third umpire once again when Brydon Carse dismissed Mitchell Starc on an alleged no ball.When Australia were reeling at 142/7, Starc miscued lofted drive and was caught by Ben Stokes running back from mid-off. The MCG crowd thought Carse had bowled a no-ball when the side-on replay flashed up.As Starc made his way back to the dressing room, broadcast replays showed Carse’s front foot appearing…

Melbourne, Dec 25 (IANS) Steve Smith showed sympathy toward Ben Stokes-led England as the team endured criticism following their early Ashes series defeat to Australia. England suffered losses in the first three Tests, and the hosts took an unassailable 3-0 lead upon winning the recent Adelaide Test. Smith will rejoin the Australian team for the Boxing Day Test and continue as stand-in captain in place of Pat Cummins after recovering from an inner-ear issue. With Australia already having secured…

Dubai, Dec 24 (IANS) Performers in Test victories for Australia and New Zealand experienced significant gains following the most recent update in the ICC Men’s Player Rankings. Players from both teams experienced a double celebration as Australia advanced to an unassailable 3-0 series lead against England in a home Ashes series, and the Black Caps secured a 2-0 series victory over the West Indies in Mount Maunganui. These performances have brought some Australian players close to the top posit…

Melbourne, Dec 24 (IANS) England announced their playing XI for the fourth Ashes Test against Australia, making two changes from the Adelaide game, as Jofra Archer has been ruled out for the remainder of the series with side strain and Ollie Pope missed out on the upcoming game. Left-handed batting all-rounder Jacob Bethell comes into the side and is listed at No.3, while fast bowler Atkinson returned after missing the last outing. The fourth Ashes test is set to begin on Boxing Day, December 26…

New Delhi, Dec 24 (IANS) Skipper Ben Stokes has come out in defense of his teammates after it was revealed that England’s mid-Ashes break in Noosa between the second and third Ashes Tests was allegedly a stag do, causing excessive drinking by some players.The England Cricket Board is currently investigating claims of the English team’s drinking culture after a video of Ben Duckett went viral, appearing to show intoxication.Stokes has hit back at the viral social media post and ‘stag do’ …

Melbourne, Dec 23 (IANS) Rob Key, England cricket team’s managing director, has conceded that England’s current setup has fallen short when it has mattered most, pointing out that they have not won any of their last four five-Test series against Australia or India.Australia have retained the Ashes with a dominant 82-run victory over England in the third Test in Adelaide on Sunday. With the Ashes already out of reach, England now face the task of limiting the damage, beginning with the Boxing D…