With the Ashes already out of reach, many might assume England’s tour of Australia is winding down quietly. But as both the teams head to Sydney for the final Test, England captain Ben Stokes has made it clear that this match is far from meaningless. For him and his players, walking onto the field at the Sydney Cricket Ground in an England jersey is reason enough to fight hard until the very end.
England will arrive in Sydney carrying renewed confidence after a dramatic victory in Melbourne, where they beat Australia by four wickets in a match that ended within two days. That win ended a long 15-year wait for a Test victory on the Australian soil. However, it came after Australia had already sealed the series with wins in Perth, Brisbane and Adelaide, ensuring that they retained the Ashes urn.
Despite the disappointment of losing the series, Ben Stokes believes the final Test still carries huge importance. He has stressed that representing England in a contest like the Ashes always demands full commitment, regardless of the scoreline. While the ultimate goal of winning the urn is no longer possible, England still have the chance to finish the series on a high by winning one more Test against a strong Australian side.
The England captain has also been clear that there will be no easing off or casual approach in Sydney. After months of intense scrutiny from the Australian media and pressure back home, Ben Stokes has reminded his team that drifting through the final game is not an option. He has emphasised that success will only come if all eleven players give everything, just as they did in Melbourne.
Ben Stokes has also brushed aside any thoughts of the journey home. While the end of the tour is close, his focus remains firmly on the five days of cricket ahead. According to him, what matters most is how England perform now, not what comes after.
For England, the Ashes story may already be written, but in Sydney, there is still pride to protect, momentum to build and a chance to leave Australia with heads held high.
