‘Every player in an England and Australia shirt…’ – Ben Stokes’ bold statement on Test cricket after Ashes 2023

England defeated Australia in the fifth and final Test match of Ashes 2023. The hosts completed a brilliant comeback to level the series 2-2 after being down 0-2. Chris Woakes was awarded the Player of the Match for his brilliant performance in the match. He was also awarded the Player of the Tournament for his brilliant all-round performance along with star Australia bowler, Mitchell Starc.

“I genuinely believe this is what Test cricket needed, Every player in an England and Australia shirt is a massive advocate for Test cricket to stay alive. We have been very vocal about that being an objective in the way we play and I think this series has really done that. It has captivated so many new fans and attracted a new audience. Test cricket is the purest form and I absolutely love it. I hope this series has got it even bigger,” Stokes was quoted as saying on Sky Sports after the match.

2-2 is a fair reflection of the teams literally going toe-to-toe: Ben Stokes

On the last day of the fifth Test, the bowlers picked for the Three Lions were Chris Woakes and Moeen Ali. Woakes snapped four wickets in his spell of 19 overs where he conceded 50 runs and bowled four maiden overs. Ali grabbed three wickets in his spell of 23 overs where he conceded 76 runs in his spell and bowled two maiden overs. Stuart Broad also bagged two wickets in his last spell of international cricket where he bowled 20.4 overs and conceded 62 runs in his spell and bowled four maiden overs.

“Two high-quality teams going at it toe-to-toe has been something you couldn’t take your eyes off. Every session has been its own game. I really hope we’ve inspired a new generation. I look back to 2005 and what that series did for me as a young person, and I really hope there’s someone who’s the age I was then who says: ‘That’s what I want to be doing’. I think 2-2 is a fair reflection of the teams literally going toe-to-toe. Australia are world Test champions, they are a quality team,” the all-rounder asserted.