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"You can call us rubbish but...": Ben Stokes defends England team over 'arrogant' tag

Soumyajit Dutta

Ben Stokes [Source: @CZazzera/X.com]Ben Stokes [Source: @CZazzera/X.com]

England captain Ben Stokes has responded to the heavy criticism following his team's heavy defeat in the first Ashes Test. After a dramatic two-day collapse in Perth, which saw Australia secure an eight-wicket win, England's approach and preparation have been heavily questioned. 

Former players and experts have described the team's performance as "rubbish" and even "arrogant," a label Stokes particularly disagrees with.

Stokes hits back at 'arrogant' critics

Ben Stokes acknowledged that his team did not have the match they wanted and is ready to accept fair criticism. However, he believes that calling the team arrogant is unfair.

"Look, you can call us rubbish, call us whatever you want. We didn't have the Test match that we wanted to. We were great in passages of that game... but I think arrogant might be a little bit too far. But that's okay. We'll take the rough with the smooth. I'd rather words like 'rubbish', but 'arrogant', I'm not so sure about that," Stokes said in a press conference.

Ben Stokes positive for Gabba Test

Despite the setback, Stokes pointed to positive moments from the first Test and delivered a sentimental cry to his team and fans. Stokes stressed on learning from their mistakes while staying true to their attacking style of play.

"We did some amazing things in that Test match. The important thing we need to do as a team and individuals is learn from it. We know that there'll be a lot of disappointed fans in England after that first defeat. But it's a five-game series, we've lost the first one - we're absolutely desperate to come home with that goal from before we even started the series, which is to win the Ashes," Ben Stokes concluded.

England now faces a tough challenge in Brisbane, where Australia has an incredible record in day-night Tests. With Mitchell Starc leading with the pink ball, the demons might haunt England at the Gabba, which is scheduled for December 4, 2025.