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England captain Ben Stokes has spoken candidly about the emotional toll of another Ashes setback in Australia, admitting that the team’s long-held ambition of winning the urn away from home has ended after the third Test in Adelaide. However, despite Australia’s commanding 3-0 lead, Stokes insists England will continue to fight hard in the final two matches of the series.
England captain reflects on pain of another Ashes defeat in Australia
Following Australia’s victory at the Adelaide Oval, which sealed Ashes retention with two Tests to spare, Stokes said the reality of defeat “hurts and sucks,” especially given the hopes England carried into the tour.
Speaking to Isa Guha after the loss, Stokes admitted England arrived in Australia with a clear objective – to become one of the few touring sides to conquer an Ashes series Down Under. That ambition, he acknowledged, has now slipped away.
“We came out here with a goal in mind,” Stokes said, adding that the dream of lifting the urn in Australia “is now over.” He described the dressing room atmosphere as “hurting and quite emotional,” reflecting the weight of another failed campaign on Australian soil.
Stokes was forthright in conceding that Australia have simply been better across the opening three Tests, executing their skills with greater consistency in all departments—batting, bowling and fielding.
Another grim milestone for England in Australia
The Adelaide defeat extended England’s winless streak in Australia to 18 Tests, dating back to their famous triumph in the 2010-11 Ashes series. Stokes admitted that statistic was difficult to digest, particularly given the manner of this year’s losses.
He noted that losing the series within just 11 days of cricket made the outcome even more painful, underlining how decisively Australia have seized control. According to the England skipper, his side repeatedly faltered at crucial moments, allowing pressure to overwhelm them while Australia remained ruthless.
Stokes revealed that he warned his team early in the series about the importance of handling pressure in Australia – a challenge England ultimately failed to meet.
Missed chances and pressure moments prove costly for England
Reflecting on the first three Tests, Stokes pointed to a pattern of England “folding” when the game was in the balance. Whether through batting collapses or missed opportunities with the ball, England were unable to sustain momentum, allowing Australia to capitalise decisively.
In contrast, Australia’s ability to strike at critical junctures proved the difference, turning competitive situations into match-defining passages.
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Stokes urges team to show resilience in final Tests
Despite the unassailable deficit, Stokes was adamant that England will not simply see out the series. He insisted the team would not “just fall over and let this series play out,” vowing that England would give “absolutely everything” in the remaining two Tests.
With memories of the 5-0 whitewash in past tours still fresh, Stokes stressed the importance of pride and resistance. He challenged his players to show “a bit of dog,” using the hurt of Adelaide as motivation to be tougher and more consistent.
As the 2025-26 Ashes series moves forward, England’s objective is no longer about reclaiming the urn but about restoring belief and competitiveness.
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