England captain Ben Stokes has hit back at criticism after his team’s eight-wicket defeat to Australia in the Ashes opener in Perth, saying that while questioning England’s performance is fair, calling the team arrogant is unacceptable.
Former players including Ian Botham and Mitchell Johnson criticised England’s approach, with Johnson labelling the side “arrogant”. Responding, Stokes said:
“You can call us rubbish, call us whatever you want… but ‘arrogant’? That might be going a little bit too far.”
Stokes admitted England “didn’t have the Test match we wanted to” but said the team had strong phases as well. The Test ended inside two days, the third-shortest Ashes match in history, dominated by Mitchell Starc’s seven wickets and Travis Head’s stunning 69-ball century.
McCullum had urged fans to stay patient
Earlier, England head coach Brendon McCullum had appealed to supporters to keep faith in the team, saying they remain committed to playing fearless cricket and will not abandon their style despite the setback.
Focus on Gabba fightback
England now head to The Gabba for the pink-ball Test from December 4, desperate to level the five-match series. Stokes said the team is determined to respond strongly:
“We’re absolutely desperate to win the Ashes.”
England have historically struggled in Australia, losing 14 of their last 16 Tests there, and their last win at the Gabba came 39 years ago in 1986.
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