Need to know
Ben Stokes spoke to the media ahead of England's second Ashes Test against Australia at the Gabba next week
12:43, 29 Nov 2025
Ben Stokes spoke to the media on Saturday(Image: Matt Roberts/Getty Images)
Everything you need to know as Ben Stokes spoke to the media ahead of England's next Ashes Test...
- Ben Stokes speaks to the press: England Captain Ben Stokes held a significant press conference and media session in Brisbane on Saturday as the team prepares for the Second Ashes Test, a day-night match at The Gabba starting next Thursday. The conference was dominated by questions about England's heavy two-day defeat in the First Test in Perth and the subsequent criticism of their "Bazball" approach and preparations.
- Skipper hits back: The most notable part of the conference was Stokes' direct response to former Australian players and pundits (specifically Mitchell Johnson) who had labelled the England team's approach as "arrogant" after the defeat. "Look, you can call us rubbish, call us whatever you want," Stokes said. "We didn't have the Test match that we wanted to... but I think arrogant might be a little bit too far."
- Bazball here to stay: Despite the collapse in Perth, Stokes confirmed that England will not abandon their aggressive mindset and will stick to their core beliefs for the rest of the series. "Could we have been better at executing what we wanted to do?" he continued. "Definitely. But we have a mindset of playing the game, which is looking to put the opposition under pressure."
- Preparations defended: Stokes addressed the criticism that England showed a lack of respect by not sending their senior players to the pink-ball tour match against the Prime Minister's XI in Canberra this week. He explained the decision was made to maximise their preparation in Brisbane for the day-night Test, avoiding extra travel and ensuring practice under conditions closer to those at The Gabba.
- Team news: A major concern for the Second Test is pacer Mark Wood, who has been struggling with a new left knee issue. Wood missed the main training session today, opting to rest at the team hotel. If he is ruled out, Josh Tongue or Matthew Potts are the likely replacements.
- More Ashes preview: You can read more about what England's players are doing ahead of the Second Test here.