With the Ashes 2025-26 series on the horizon, former England captain Michael Vaughan is backing Ben Stokes to lead his side to a series triumph in Australia. The opening Test is scheduled for November 21st at the Optus Stadium in Perth, kicking off a highly anticipated five-match contest between the old rivals.
Vaughan expressed a strong conviction that this England squad possesses the capability to break their long-standing drought on Australian soil, with their last Test victory occurring in 2011. He attributes this renewed optimism to the fearless and attacking brand of cricket instilled by captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum, often dubbed ‘Bazball.’
Speaking at a Viagogo event, Vaughan articulated the pressing need for England to secure a major trophy, suggesting that a drawn series, while a step forward, wouldn’t be the ultimate goal. “I think they need a trophy,” he commented. “I mean, would I take two-all now? Probably, let’s be honest. In the last few series, 2010-11 is the only time that I’ve seen England have success… We haven’t won a Test since. So actually looking at growth in terms of what English cricket is delivering and, crikey, if you could get a two-all series, you’d obviously take that.”
The former skipper highlighted the significance of this Ashes campaign for Ben Stokes personally, framing it as his opportunity to etch his name in history. Vaughan believes Stokes’ aggressive captaincy and playing style are precisely what’s needed to seize the moment and bring the Ashes urn home. “But I think Ben and his mentality, and the way that he plays his cricket, this is his moment. He has to deliver and he has to get that urn in his hand. And it’s not putting him under pressure. They’ll be speaking in this kind of language in the dressing room. They will expect to win this series and now’s the time to deliver,” Vaughan asserted.