Brendon McCullum on the prospect of Ben Stokes, Mark Wood and Jofra Archer forming a dynamic attack for the first Ashes Test in Perth on November 21: “You need to hit early, both teams will be looking to do the same… basically, I'd like to field a few fast bowlers.”
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England coach Brendon McCullum gives update on captain Ben Stokes' fitness and talks about the upcoming Ashes tour
England head coach Brendon McCullum has backed Test captain Ben Stokes and fast bowler Mark Wood that they will be fit for the Ashes, describing the winter series as an “incredible opportunity” for the team.
England are looking to reclaim the Ashes title for the first time in 10 years while also turning around their poor record in Australia since their successful 2010/11 tour, when they failed to win a Test match in 15 attempts and lost 13.
Stokes missed the final Test match of the summer series against India with a shoulder injury, while Wood has been out since February after knee surgery.
However, McCullum is optimistic about the prospects of both, adding that he would like to field a pure pace attack, including Jofra Archer, in the first Test in Perth on November 21 to “get an early kick in”.
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Jofre Archer took the wicket of Yashasvi Jaiswal with just his third ball after a four-year absence from Test matches for England.
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“Stoke are progressing well,” McCullum told Sky Sports during the third T20 international between England and South Africa at Trent Bridge on Sunday.
“Stokes's passion for hard work and enthusiasm for captaining England and leading the team to Australia and the challenge that awaits are well known.
“I expect him to be fully fit and ready for this series; he's progressing well and is excited about the future.”
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McCullum described Stokes as “one of a generation” and detailed what to expect from him during the Ashes.
McCullum confident of Wood's 'lightning' for Ashes
On Wood's fitness, McCullum added: “He's progressing. We've been quite cautious about it and he's had a few minor issues.”
“The work he has done, the constant rehabilitation he has had to go through throughout his career, but his hunger and enthusiasm to represent his country is undeniable.
Pictured: England fast bowler Mark Wood went missing in February after undergoing knee surgery.
“We know that when he is at his best he is a terror to opposing players and can win a game in the blink of an eye.
“We're confident he'll be fit and ready for the Ashes, ready to throw down the gauntlet.”
As for the possibility of Archer, Wood and Stokes fielding together in the series opener, despite the trio's checkered injury history, McCullum was open to the idea.
“We need to strike early and both teams will be looking to do the same,” he said.
“It's just a matter of working out what conditions are right for which bowlers to perform at their best, given that it's a five-match Test series.
“Basically, I would like to field some fast bowlers early in the series, but we'll just have to decide what that looks like as we get closer to winning.”
Pictured: Stokes is expected to return from injury in time to lead England on this winter's Ashes tour of Australia.
And on England's prospects ahead of such a crucial series, McCullum added: “We have a cohesive squad that can cope with situations and pressure and also drown out the outside noise.”
“This does not guarantee you success, and there will be times over these couple of months when we will have to face difficulties.
“Now it’s all about how we deal with pressure and those moments when the light is brightest.
“It's an amazing opportunity, an incredible opportunity, and it's going to be an amazing series.
“We know Australia has a very strong cricket team and it is an incredibly difficult country to tour. It will be a test but the reward at the end is worth the struggle.”
Ashes Series Australia 2025-26 🏏
All times of Great Britain and Ireland
- First Test: Friday 21 November – Tuesday 25 November ( 2.30am ) – Optus Stadium, Perth
- Second Test (day/night): Thursday 4 December – Monday 8 December ( 4.30am ) – The Gabba, Brisbane
- Third Test: Wednesday 17 December – Sunday 21 December ( 00:00 ) – Adelaide Oval
- Fourth Test: Thursday 25 December – Monday 29 December ( 23:30 ) – Melbourne Cricket Ground
- Fifth Test: Sunday 4 January – Thursday 8 January ( 23:30 ) – Sydney Cricket Ground
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