#ben-stokes

#ben-stokes

Dear Santa, all I want for Christmas is a new front row, a one-tonne scrum, a bomb squad if I'm extra good, and a solemn promise that I'll never again to subjected to a match that involves either Rassie Erasmus or Matthew Carley. Speaking of which, please don't send any more cards ...

England have doubled down on Shoaib Bashir's status as their No 1 spinner despite omitting their two-year project from the third Test in Adelaide and watching Will Jacks struggle in his place. Speaking after the close of play on day three, at which point Australia were closing in on an unassailable 3-0 series lead, England's assistant coach Jeetan Patel said Bashir had been sacrificed to prop up a struggling batting lineup.

Ben Stokes has signalled his desire to play in the 2027 Ashes at home after signing a new two-year central contract with England. Stokes will be 36 the next time England host the Ashes and, having suffered hamstring and shoulder injuries over the past 12 months, there was a school of thought that this winter's series could be his last.

Nearly six years after Jofra Archer made his Test debut, he will finally return to the team after being confirmed to replace Josh Tongue. This comes after years of injuries and limited action, with England's captain noting Archer's strong determination and passion for cricket.