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Ben Stokes Defines "Fight" Amid England's Must-Win Ashes Battle

England is in a tough spot, needing a win in Adelaide to stay in the Ashes hunt. Captain Ben Stokes is rallying his team by explaining his personal definition of "fight" on the field. He emphasizes adapting to situations and showing grit, but also understanding that each player's approach will differ. The team has made a change to their bowling attack for this crucial match.

Key Points: Ben Stokes Urges England to Fight in Must-Win Ashes Test

  • Stokes defines fight as adapting to situations and showing determination
  • England must win in Adelaide to keep Ashes retention hopes alive
  • England's last Ashes win in Australia was under Andrew Strauss in 2010-11
  • Playing XI sees Josh Tongue replace Gus Atkinson in pace attack
2 min read

Ben Stokes urges England to 'fight' in must-win Ashes decider against Australia

England captain Ben Stokes defines what "fight" means for his team as they face a must-win Ashes Test in Adelaide to keep the series alive.

"Just look at your opposition every single time and show a bit of dog. That's fight to me. - Ben Stokes"

Adelaide, December 15

England skipper Ben Stokes defined "fight" as adapting to situations, understanding what's required for his team, and showing determination against the opposition.

Trailing 2-0 to Australia after two different but equally harrowing eight-wicket defeats, the England captain has urged his fellow team-mates to "fight" in the series decider starting from Wednesday in Adelaide.

"What it [fight] means to me could be completely different to someone else. It's just trying to fight in every situation that you find yourself in, and understanding the situation and what you feel is required for your team. Just look at your opposition every single time and show a bit of dog. That's fight to me," Ben Stokes said as per ESPNcricinfo.

"It comes a lot easier to me, it might be a lot harder for other people because of their personalities or whatever that may be. I'm not going to expect or ask a completely different character to me to carry on like me. That's like asking me to carry on like someone like Jamie Smith, who's a lot more laid back. It just wouldn't work. However, you find the best way to find that mode that I'm talking about, that's probably the best way to explain it," he added.

The third Test is a must-win match for the visitors to keep their hopes of retaining the Ashes alive. England last won the Ashes in Australia during the 2010-11 tour, when they clinched a memorable 3-1 series victory under the leadership of Andrew Strauss.

Meanwhile, England also announced their playing XI for the third match of the Ashes against Australia at Adelaide Oval, making a single change as Josh Tongue replaces Gus Atkinson in the pace attack. Notably, England opted not to include Shoaib Bashir, despite the Adelaide pitch promising to be the most spin-friendly of this Ashes series.

England playing XI for Adelaide Test against Australia:

Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Will Jacks, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
Interesting to see them drop Atkinson. But not picking a spinner in Adelaide? That's a bold, maybe foolish, call. Ashwin or Jadeja would have feasted on a turning track. Shows England's lack of faith in their spin options.
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Arjun K
Stokes' definition of fight is spot on. It's not just aggression, it's situational awareness. Our team showed that in the Gabba in 2021. Hope it's a close match, but honestly, Australia at home are just too strong. Smith and Labuschagne will be key.
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Sarah B
Watching from Mumbai! The team selection is confusing. Where's the experienced campaigner? It feels like they're panicking after two losses. You need calm heads in a must-win game, not just "showing dog" as Stokes says.
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Vikram M
The Ashes is the best rivalry in cricket, no doubt. But as an Indian, I can't help but feel our Border-Gavaskar Trophy contests have more spice now! 😄 Good luck to England, but I think the urn stays in Australia.
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Karthik V
Jofra Archer is back! That's the big news. If he's fit and firing, he can change the game. But his fitness is always a question mark. England's hopes might literally rest on his shoulders. High-risk, high-reward strategy.

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