Ben Stokes has hit back at media [X.com]

England’s Test captain Ben Stokes has hit back at media over their reaction to his remarks during the Ashes 2023, asserting he lives “rent-free” in their minds.

The ECB’s recent documentary on the 2023 Ashes series, which ended in a 2-2 draw, has reignited discussions. 

In a newly surfaced clip from the documentary, Stokes is seen rallying his teammates during the fourth Test at Old Trafford, Manchester. England, trailing 1-2 in the series, had dominated the match with a 275-run first-innings lead. 

However, rain thwarted their victory as Australia held on at 214-5, retaining the Ashes.

In the video, Stokes emphasizes the importance of their journey over the results. 

“Everything we’ve done up until now isn’t going to stop because we haven’t managed to win the urn back,” he tells his team. “The reward for our work isn’t what we get but what we become. We’ve managed to become a sports team that will live forever in the memory of people who were lucky enough to witness us play cricket.”

Stokes addressed criticism from Fox Cricket on X, defending his motivational speech.

Said this to the team who had watched: Ben Stokes

“Said this to the team who had watched it rain for 2 days when we had our foot on your throats, just tried to cheer up the disappointment tbh, but anyways rent-free and all that,” Stokes wrote.

Australia, at 113-4 in their second innings by the end of the third day, needed another 162 to avoid an innings defeat. The match ended in a draw due to rain on the fourth and fifth days. England’s victory in the final Test leveled the series but was insufficient to reclaim the Ashes, as Australia retained the urn by avoiding a series defeat.

Looking ahead, Stokes and his team are set to face Australia again at Lord’s starting July 10.