Despite not being able to win the Ashes on home soil in 2023, England’s Test captain Ben Stokes has made a bold claim that his side will be remembered in a unique way.
Stokes’ bizarre claim was released via a new documentary, The Ashes 2023: Our Take, from the ECB, following the 2023 Ashes series.
Australia retained the urn after winning the first two matches of the series, then losing two and one being a draw.
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In the documentary released this week, Stokes is seen addressing his side in the Old Trafford rooms.
He was attempting to motivate them despite the delay in play, but his words have caught plenty of attention for all the wrong reasons.
England coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes during a nets session. Getty
“Everything we’ve done up until now isn’t going to stop because we haven’t managed to win the urn back,” said Stokes.
“The reward for our work isn’t what we get, but what we become.
“And what we have managed to do is, we’ve managed to become a sports team that will live forever in the memory of people who were lucky enough to witness us play cricket.”
Stokes continued, attempting to revive his side despite already missing their chance to win the series.
“I know it’s going to be a bit flat, I know it’s going to hurt that we go into the next game (at The Oval) not being able to get the urn back,” he said.
“But, what we have done is something a lot bigger than any Ashes trophy could ever signify for this team, be the team that everybody will always remember.”
Stokes’ bizarre words were unearthed just days after England star Joe Root delivered a stinging truth bomb to teammate Jonny Bairstow on the anniversary of his controversial Ashes dismissal last year.
The 2023 Ashes series was one of the most heated in recent memory. England attempted to claim a “moral victory” while the rest of the world has largely laughed at the arrogance of the players, coaching staff and fans.
Australian cricket podcaster Andrew Menczel labelled Stokes’ dressing room comments “distateful arrogance”.
When Fox Sports tweeted the quote, Stokes hit back on X.
“Said this to the team who had watched it rain for two days when we had our foot on your throats, just tried to cheer up the disappointment tbh,” the England captain said.
“But anyways, rent free (in Aussies’ heads) and all that.”