The young England skipper, Joe root has admitted that his team is ready for a healthy psychological war of words once the Test matches kick off in Gabba from 23rd November. He further admitted that the recent issue involving Ben Stokes, England’s star all-rounder would be at the top of the Aussie list. Notable, Ben Stokes was omitted from the Ashes squad that landed in Perth earlier today after he got arrested on suspicion of causing bodily harm to a person on the streets of Bristol. However, Stokes was released without a charge but is still under police investigation.
This rivalry has seen a lot of verbal wars since its inception, and Root admits that Stokes controversy has given the baggy green cricketers a lot of sledging materials.
Meanwhile, Australian star opener David Warner has already begun his trademark on-field aggression and has urged the umpires to turn a blind eye to the sledging. While talking to media after touching the Australian soil, Root said that there are high chances that they can sledge about Stokes, but in Ashes cricket, there is always an edge of psychological wordplay.
“Once you’ve played in a few, you sort of know what to expect and you know how it goes leading up to the games. I’m sure there will be plenty of banter flying around on and off the field. That’s something you’ve got to cherish and relish and be able to look back on at the end of your career and say, ‘I gave it my best shot, and I enjoyed it’,” the 26-year-old cricketer was heard saying.
Meanwhile, as per new developments, Stokes has a chance to make a comeback in the Ashes squad after he was termed ‘hero’ by two gay men for whom he stood up for.
“Hopefully it can be good news for Ben. As a friend, I hope it is. But regarding the reality of it all we’ve got to plan as if he’s not going to be here and give ourselves the best chance,” Root concluded.
England will start their campaign with a two-day previous match against Western Australia at the WACA ground scheduled to begin on Saturday. They then are slated to take on Cricket Australia XI side in Adelaide (November 8-11) and Townsville (November 15-18) before the first Test at the Gabba.