Ben Stokes makes England captaincy decision after brutal Ashes defeat
England captain Ben Stokes addressed the media after Australia secured victory in Adelaide to wrap up victory in their home Ashes series with two tests to spare
England cricket captain Ben Stokes has no plans to relinquish his role despite Ashes disappointment in Australia. England failed to complete a miraculous comeback in the third test in Adelaide, with an 82-run defeat handing the series to the Aussies.
The tourists put up a fight in their second innings, with Jamie Smith hitting 60 during a 91-run seventh-wicket partnership. The damage had mostly been done in the first innings, though, and now the final two tests will see England play for nothing but pride after falling 3-0 behind in the series.
Stokes was asked about his future as captain after the latest loss, but provided a simple "nope" when asked if he would be considering his position. He added that he "absolutely" still has the energy to continue in the role.
"It moves over into what else we have in front of us," said the skipper, who recognised the failure to win in Australia was "very disappointing" for the England camp. "We still have two games left in the series and a hell of a lot to play for, as individuals and a team.
"Walking out there and playing for England is a good enough thing in itself. We're not going to turn around and kick the stumps over because we have so much more to play for in the series."
READ MORE :England opener Zak Crawley shared Stokes' feelings about the failure to meet the pre-series goal. “We came here to win the Ashes," he told Test Match Special.
"We are probably up against it. It is flat. Disappointed we have not performed how we want to. Fair play to Australia, they have been quality throughout.
"It hasn’t surprised me. I know how good they are in their own country. They have great players all over the place. They’re a top side, and we had to be at our best to get something."
A first innings century from Alex Carey set Australia on their way in Adelaide, but not without controversy. The wicketkeeper ought to have been dismissed before reaching his century, only for a Snicko error to earn him a reprieve.
The fourth Ashes test will get up and running on Boxing Day in Melbourne, with Australia still chasing a clean sweep. After the trip to the MCG, the series will conclude in Sydney in early January.
"So far so good, but personally I don't like to look too far ahead, maybe reflect, jump in the pool tonight, get home to the kids and then come back tomorrow and really look forward to it," Carey told TNT Sports after the series victory was confirmed. "The boys are bowling really great areas, we know it'll be hard work again."