The Ashes spark: Ramprakash’s bold claim amid England’s underdog status
As the 2025-2026 Ashes tour kicks off in Perth, a familiar question looms over England’s chances: how far can they go if Ben Stokes is fully fit for every Test? Former England batsman Mark Ramprakash has weighed in, suggesting that a Stokes-led England side could win the five-match series quite comfortably against Australia. The assertion comes at a time when pundits are weighing up England’s evolving squad balance, batting depth, and the all-important resilience the team will need Down Under.
What makes Stokes so pivotal?
Ben Stokes is more than just a flowing stroke-maker; he is the backbone of England’s team ethos. His leadership, match-awareness, and ability to swing a game from difficult positions make him a unique asset in the dugout and on the field. Ramprakash argues that when Stokes is fully fit, England gains not only with the bat but also with the all-round impact he brings in the field and with his overs when required.
Team dynamics and tactical balance
England’s path to victory in the Ashes would likely hinge on a cohesive performance across batting, bowling, and fielding. If Stokes plays all five Tests, England could tailor a more attack-minded strategy—leaning on aggressive transitions, pressure-building spells from the seamers, and a captain who can make bold late-game calls. The one-day-and-limbed formats have sharpened the team’s adaptability, but the Ashes require a different temperament: patience in the first two sessions, followed by decisive accelerations when conditions suit.
Australia’s counter-moves and the Perth factor
Facing Australia on their home soil presents a test of mental strength as much as technical skill. Perth’s WACA ground has traditionally rewarded fast bowlers and aggressive bowling plans. For England, the key will be to maximise Stokes’s influence while ensuring the rest of the batting lineup contributes consistently. Australia’s squad depth, pace options, and top-order reliability will be under scrutiny, and how the English middle order handles the pressure will play a major role in the series outcome.
Injury watch and squad management
Stokes’s fitness is a central narrative. Ramprakash’s projection rests on the assumption that the all-rounder can remain available for all five Tests. Any interruption in his participation could alter England’s balance, forcing adjustments in both batting order and bowling rotation. Coaches must plan contingency options that maintain competitiveness while protecting key players from overload in a grueling five-match schedule.
Ramprakash’s perspective, fans’ expectations, and the wider debate
Former players often shape the public discourse around England’s prospects by translating data into plausible scenarios. Ramprakash’s claim aligns with a broader sentiment among supporters who see Stokes’s presence as a catalyst for a more cohesive England unit. Yet skeptics remind us that the Ashes are a tournament where momentum can swing quickly, and a single-weekend spell or a sensational partnership can define a series. The conversation, therefore, remains open as England head into the first Test in Perth with a mixture of optimism and realism.
What to watch in the opening Test
Key indicators will include how England’s top order negotiates Australia’s aggressors, the ability of the hosts to apply pressure with pace through the middle overs, and whether England can convert starts into meaningful partnerships. If Stokes is ready to lead and perform across all five fixtures, fans may indeed see a side capable of seizing the urn with confidence.
Bottom line: Ramprakash’s remark adds spice to a series that promises high-stakes cricket, with Ben Stokes’s fitness potentially shaping the arc of England’s Ashes campaign more than any single performance.
