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Ben Stokes: “We want fast and flat pitches for the 2023 Ashes series.”

Ben Stokes has requested “flat, quick” surfaces for this summer’s Ashes series, and as England continues to monitor Jofra Archer’s fitness following another absence, the Test captain claims to have have a starting Eleven in mind.

Stokes told Sky Sports during their Indian Premier League broadcast that his team will maintain their aggressive, results-driven attitude against Australia and that he hoped to have 90mph speed in his assault. Archer, along with Mark Wood and Olly Stone, will be crucial following an eye-catching Ashes performance in 2019. But, worries are mounting. The 28-year-old has been experiencing difficulty in his right elbow, which has caused him to miss 18 months of cricket due to a stress fracture, and he missed his second IPL match in a row for the Mumbai Indians on Tuesday.

The Three Lions have played some wonderful cricket under the capable guidance of Ben Stokes, changing the character of Test cricket generally. As a result, they will be confident heading into the headline series.

“I could have picked a 20-member squad if I really wanted to. I have already said that with our bowling group, I have asked our medical team to give us the best opportunity to have eight bowlers to select from every game. I think this year’s Ashes in particular is sort of close together compared to other games. Being able to have those resources available in every game is something I’m really keen to have, in terms of you know, could pick a 20-man squad because that’s how fortunate we are at the moment to be able to pick from this group of English players who are so good at the moment. But I think I know where the starting XI will be, there or thereabouts,” Stokes told reporters.

Stokes claimed to be bowling “pain-free” after five weeks of behind-the-scenes training. The all-rounder missed Chennai’s previous game against Mumbai due to a foot issue, but his long-standing left knee condition, which hindered his involvement with the ball during the 1-1 draw in New Zealand, looks to be improving.

“Medically and in the gym, plus cortisone injections – everything is going nicely,” said Stokes. “But I’m not going to rush myself, the main priority is making sure I can fulfil my role as a fourth seamer in the Ashes.”

The series has already seen the first verbal shots fired, with Ollie Robinson recently predicting a “easy win” and pledging to give Australia a “good hiding.” While applauding his opponents, Stokes appreciated this confidence. “It’s about giving individuals the freedom to be themselves,” he says. “I noticed, and that’s just Robbo – that’s his nature.

The Ashes series, which alternates between England and Australia every two years, has become one of cricket’s most important rivalries. The series includes of five Test matches, and the side with the most wins takes home the urn.

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