‘Call us rubbish’: Ben Stokes hits back at claims that England are ‘arrogant’

The Guardian – SportSaturday, November 29, 2025 at 3:46:10 AM
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‘Call us rubbish’: Ben Stokes hits back at claims that England are ‘arrogant’
  • Ben Stokes, the captain of the England cricket team, has responded to criticism from former Australian player Mitchell Johnson, who labeled the England team as 'arrogant' following their two-day defeat in Perth. Stokes acknowledged the criticism but defended his players against the arrogance claim, emphasizing the challenges of the results-driven nature of the sport.
  • This response is significant as it highlights the pressure Stokes and his team face in the high-stakes Ashes series, where public perception and media scrutiny can heavily influence team morale and performance. Stokes' defense may also reflect a desire to maintain team unity amid external pressures.
  • The broader context reveals ongoing tensions in the Ashes rivalry, with England's recent struggles in Australia raising questions about their confidence and approach. The team's performance under challenging conditions, particularly with the pink ball, has been a recurring theme, as they prepare for further matches while grappling with the weight of historical expectations.
— via World Pulse Now AI Editorial System

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