England captain Ben Stokes remarked that the upcoming series against Australia will be the "biggest series of their lives" and highlighted how important the assignment will be for the team. Notably, England haven't recorded a Test victory Down Under since 2011 and have lost the previous three red-ball assignments in the country by 5-0, 4-0 and 4-0 respectively.
Stokes remarked that the next two-and-a-half months are going to be absolutely crucial for the team, but also expressed confidence in the players to deliver when it matters the most so that they can win The Ashes for the first time since 2015.
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"Definitely [the biggest series of our lives]. Everyone in the world, everyone in Australia and England, knows how big this is. I think if we were to come out and not accept that, and say 'it's just another series' we'd only be lying to ourselves, lying to the fact of what the series is. It's looking it in the eyes, taking it on and not being afraid of the challenge," Stokes said, speaking to Sky Sports.
"We know it's a huge task coming to Australia and everything that comes with that on the field and away from the field. It is a huge two-and-a-half months for us. It's about letting everyone know what the expectations are going to be like, so it's not a huge shock and a, 'woah, I didn't expect this to be like this'. We're in a good place. We've come over here to take the Ashes home, that's the end goal, and we have selected a squad we think will give us a great chance," he added.
Stokes wants to play all five Tests
Despite his recent concerns with injury, Stokes is backing himself to feature in all the five Tests against Australia. He further stated that he will give his everything on the field as usual and added that he has been working tirelessly for the last three months to ensure that he is available to play all the matches.
"I give absolutely everything when I play for England around the world. If I walk out on the field feeling I have to prove myself, that isn't me as a captain or leader," Stokes stated.
"I definitely expect to play all five Tests. I am 34, I have played a lot of cricket and it is hard to do everything as an all-rounder. That is how I have always played the game. I will leave it all out there. I have worked so hard the last three months to make sure that when it comes to game time I am there physically to fulfil that role," he further added.
England announce squad for 1st Test
Meanwhile, England have announced a 12-member squad for the Ashes opener in Perth that will begin from November 21. One of the notable players missing from the team is the young Jacob Bethell, who is one of the side's best all-round options. The Three Lions have opted to gop for only one proper spin option in Shoaib Bashir while choosing a total of five seamers.