"it's not just stuff out on the field that can get you, it's also the off-field stuff. The England captain's disgruntlement with his side's treatment in the press extends to recent criticism of their preparations, with Stokes hitting out at the has beens who have been leading the chorus of complaint and insisting that we leave no stone unturned and have prepared incredibly well."
"But it's expected. That's part of being in Australia. It's another one of those things we're going to have to deal with, especially some of the guys out here for the first time. It's letting them know it's probably what it's going to be like. It's not just stuff out on the field that can get you, it's also the off-field stuff. It's how you take it. You [have to] take it in your stride and laugh it off."
England faces intense Australian media attention both on and off the field, with tabloid front-page images of players arriving and ongoing scrutiny. Critics have attacked team preparations, driven in part by former players labeled as 'has-beens', despite claims that preparation has been exhaustive. Experienced squad members are expected to prepare and brief first-time tourists about the unique pressures of an Ashes tour. Players are encouraged to accept off-field provocation, maintain composure, laugh it off, support inexperienced teammates, and focus on the competitive opportunity rather than being distracted by external narratives.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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