It’s Josh the job!
IRISH TONGUE LASHED
BEN STOKES revealed there is plenty of “fun” on the agenda before he and his men have to get stuck into the serious business of trying to regain the Ashes.
The captain also shrugged off fresh concerns over his damaged knee to claim it is all systems go for the opening Test at Edgbaston in 12 days’ time for him and his team.
Apart from taking a catch yesterday – when new boy Josh Tongue’s five-wicket haul helped England complete a harder than expected 10-wicket victory over Ireland – Stokes took a firm back seat at Lord’s in a bid to help his problem knee’s recovery.
At one stage, however, he was in pain when twisting his knee in taking that catch but then claimed England won’t be undercooked in Birmingham.
England were made to work hard for their win but eventually polished off the 11 runs needed for victory after Ireland’s battling 362 forced them to bat again.
Mark Adair raced to 88 and Andrew McBrine hit an unbeaten 86 to extend the contest past tea.
But all-rounder Stokes, who struggled and hobbled in the outfield, said: “It would be wrong for me to say I’m not excited for it to come.
“Ashes series are bigger occasions. It is part of the journey we are on and whether we win or lose it is not the end of that journey.
“We have a break now and when we meet up again in ten days now it will be about having fun.
“Me and Bazza (Brendon
from
at
McCullum) are big on making sure the guys have some good, fun times. It’s the chance to get away from it and spend good time together socially.
“That’s because once we start playing we will be right in amidst the Ashes chaos. Once we get to Birmingham the serious stuff starts and we will be right on the ball.”
Stokes, the first England captain in history to win a Test without batting, bowling or keeping wicket, insisted: “I landed awkwardly trying to adjust and twisted and jarred it but it’s fine. I’m 32 tomorrow which probably explains it.
“I bowled for the first time in twelve weeks this morning and felt really good. I was happy with the 20 minutes and came through it really well. I’ve got time to build up now and fully expect to bowl at Edgbaston.”
Neither Stokes nor Harry Brook or Jonny Bairstow managed to get time at the crease such was England’s dominance, led by Friday’s double-centurion Ollie Pope.
Yet Stokes, who has now led his side to 11 wins from 14 Tests, said: “We could have sent them in but I don’t think those guys feel they need certain time out in the middle.
“That’s old-style thinking. We play enough game practice now.
“You are never disappointed with a win and never expect to win a Test match easily.
“Ireland showed real grit and determination.”
Tongue said: “It feels very special to get five wickets here in front of my family too.
“I didn’t expect to play let alone do this.
“I dreamed as a kid of playing in an Ashes series, and to be in the squad right now is a dream.”
Pakistan series, I will definitely finish up then. I’m just working as hard as I can to get to there.”
He admits it will be tough to repeat the 4-0 Ashes triumph of 2021-22 and said: “In these conditions, with world-class bowlers, you can’t allow them to settle. You can’t allow them to put the ball in one spot.
“You’re going to have to make some brave decisions.”
DAVID WARNER will relish his final Ashes series after confirming he will retire from Test cricket in January. The former Australia captain 36, will quit the five-day game after the winter series against Pakistan but wants to play in next year’s T20 World Cup in the West Indies and United States. Batsman Warner said: “If I can get through this and make the