‘Stokes’ leadership is going to be key’- Eoin Morgan predicts Ben Stokes’ captaincy will influence England’s chances in ‘The Ashes’

Ben Stokes and Eoin Morgan. (Photo Source: Twitter)

The Ashes 2023 is about to get underway as England and Australia are all set to lock horns in the first Test from June 16. Both teams are coming into the historic series in sensational form as Australia have recently won the World Test Championship final 2023 while England have won 11 out of their last 13 Tests.

Ahead of the series, England’s ODI world cup-winning captain Eoin Morgan has said that Ben Stokes’s leadership is going to be the key for England in the Ashes. Notably, England are having a great run under the leadership of Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum where they’ve revolutionized Test cricket with their ‘Bazball’ play.

“Good leadership and captaincy can make a real difference to a team and Stokes’ leadership I think is going to be key for this Ashes. He’s always been a leader and as captain he’s been great. I’ve sat back and admired how he’s gone about it. I learned a huge amount from his coach Brendan McCullum and leadership is shaped by the people that have influenced you. They have recognised what strengths their players have and are trying to utilise them. And they’ve worked,” Morgan was quoted as saying by the Mirror.

Interestingly enough, it was Morgan who recommended McCullum to Director of Cricket, Rob Key for the job of the Test head coach as he knew he could offer just what England were looking for. And McCullum’s appointment has worked wonders for the England side as they’ve become a force to reckon with in the longest format of the game.

Will Australia win their first Ashes in England after 2001?

Hence, the upcoming Ashes is expected to be an action-packed series with both England and Australia on the top of their game. Australia have had an upper hand on England in the last few years as they’ve retained the Ashes since 2017. On the other hand, England haven’t lost a home Ashes series since 2001.

There are widespread talks of Australia’s plans to counter ‘Bazball’. However, their success will only be judged when they’re applied on the field during the five-match competition.