The stage is set for The Ashes 2025-26 as Australia and England revive their rivalry with the first Test at the Optus Stadium in Perth on Friday, November 21. Ahead of the opening of the Ashes series, former England captain Michael Vaughan has made a bold statement on Ben Stokes.
England’s recent record against Australia does not look good, especially Down Under. They have not won a single Test match there since 2011. Over the past decade, England have managed to win only seven Tests, while Australia have won 14 games, with four matches ending in draws.
Before Ashes 2025-26, Michael Vaughan called Ben Stokes the best player in the world
Additionally, the Kangaroos have dominated England throughout their Test history. They have won 152 Tests against England, while England have won 112 Tests, while 97 matches ended in draws. The English team has not won the Ashes series since 2010-11.
Also Read: AUS vs ENG Match Prediction: Who will win the 1st Test? ashes 2025
Ahead of the all-important first Test in Perth, which will be without Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, Michael Vaughan shocked the cricket world by ranking Ben Stokes above all the rest of the players in the world. The cricket pundit said that the current England captain is not only a great all-rounder, but he is also a player who can change the match on his own.
“Pound for pound, I think Ben Stokes is the best player in the world. He can win games with his bat, as we know,” Vaughan said on SEN Cricket.
“Pound for pound I think Ben Stokes is the best player in the world. As we know, he can win matches with his bat.”
– Michael Vaughan
– SEN Cricket (@SEN_Cricket) 20 November 2025
Michael Vaughan backs Ben Stokes-led England to end 14-year Ashes drought in Australia
Earlier, Vaughan felt the Ben Stokes-led England cricket team had what it takes to win an Ashes series in Australia for the first time since 2010-11. He believes the touring team has strong batting, real pace and solid leadership, with Stokes being a key player who can boost the team’s chances even more in the upcoming Ashes series.
He also stressed that it would be important to win the first Test in Perth on November 21. The commentator advised England to start well, focus on the fundamentals, stay sharp on the field, avoid early collapse and play smart cricket instead of being cautious with negativity.
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Vaughan wrote in his column for ‘The Telegraph’, “They have the tools to win in Australia. Good batting, reasonable pace and excellent leadership. In Stokes they have the best player on either side, when he is fit and active. If he is fit, their chances of winning go up again. I think they have to win the first Test in Perth to win the series. It would be a nightmare for England to lose on the first day. They need to use their brains.” which they should not confuse with negative play.”
Michael Vaughan urges England to stay strong and seize their biggest Ashes opportunity
He urged Stokes and his team not to get scattered no matter what happens in these Ashes, as many players will get another chance in the Ashes in 2027 and beyond, as most of them are in their 20s. However, the commentator believes this is their best chance to win the Ashes in Australia.
Vaughan signed off by saying, “This England group has been working towards this for four years and there will never be a better chance to win Down Under. Now get it.”
