England captain Ben Stokes has urged the team to take out the “dogs” ahead of the third Test against Australia during the Ashes 2025-26 season. Stokes said showing more fight doesn’t look the same for every player, but there will have to be a change in the overall mindset to keep the team afloat in the five-match Test series.
England trail 0-2 after two big defeats in Perth and Brisbane. The defeat ended their long winning streak on Australian soil, putting them in danger of losing the series. England will face Australia in the third Test in Adelaide from December 17. They will be hoping to keep their Ashes hopes alive.
Show me little dog, it’s a fight for me – Ben Stokes
Ben Stokes said the focus should be on fighting against Australia at every opportunity, remaining competitive in all conditions and showing resilience and aggression when it matters for the team.
“What is this [fight] It may mean something completely different to me than to someone else. It’s just about trying to fight every situation you find yourself in and understanding the situation and what you feel is necessary for your team. Just look at your opposition every now and then and show a little dog. “It’s a fight for me,” Stokes said.
No English team has recovered from a 0-2 defeat to win the series. The only team to make such a comeback was Australia in 1936–37, due to Sir Don Bradman’s exceptional batting in the three Test matches.
I’m not going to expect or demand a completely different character – Ben Stokes
The veteran all-rounder said that England players should not try to copy others while showing fight on the field. Stokes believes that every player must find his own way to compete and contribute, playing to his natural strengths and mindset.
Stokes said, “It’s very easy for me, it can be very difficult for other people because of their personality or whatever. I’m not expecting or expecting a completely different character to move forward like me.”
He added, “It’s like asking me to carry on like someone like Jamie Smith, who is very laid-back. It wouldn’t work. However, you’ll find the best way to find the genre I’m talking about is probably the best way to explain it.”
There’s a bit of dog in you – Ben Stokes
Ben Stokes and Will Jacques showed struggle in the second test and made a partnership of 96 runs in 221 balls. This did not change the result, but it delayed Australia’s victory. Stokes said being committed to the challenge and supporting that mentality as a team gives the best chance to compete, especially under pressure.
“I could have gone out there in that morning session in Brisbane and got out first ball, but going out there with that mindset and that mindset is the battle for me.
“As long as you go in there and everyone is in the same mindset about the situation and what’s required, you’re giving yourself the best chance if you have a little dog.”
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