🏏 Stokes Stays as Captain Despite England's Ashes Rout

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Key Takeaways

1📊 Stokes era: 20 wins but Ashes bowled at 3.4 rpo
2🏆 England loses series in 11 days, matching grim records
3💡 Admits 'poor' show, vows captaincy continuity to 2027
4🔮 Melbourne dead rubber key to Bazball revival
5💬 'Barrage' from Australia overwhelmed England – Stokes

"Pat Cummins admitted he was surprised how the visitors had played on the very hot second day in Adelaide"

Ben Stokes vows to continue as England captain despite admitting his side was "poor" and unable to withstand Australia's barrage, losing the Ashes 2025-26 in a record 11 days with defeats by eight wickets in Perth, Brisbane, and 82 runs in Adelaide. Fresh off a two-year contract to 2027, Stokes reaffirmed his commitment amid high pre-tour hopes for an away win since 2010-11.

Stokes' captaincy since 2022 boasts 20 Test wins, revolutionizing England with win-at-all-costs flair, but this tour saw bowlers leak 3.4 runs per over. Australia's superiority was total, leaving Stokes to confront tactical gaps.

England's Barrage Breakdown Under Stokes

England's bowlers managed just 32 wickets at 35.6 apiece, contrasting Australia's 28 at 19.2. Stokes' innings defeats mirror 2013-14's whitewash pain. His personal all-round contributions – 150 runs, 8 wickets – couldn't stem the tide against Cummins' leadership.

Captaincy Future Amid WTC Pressure

Loss drops England to WTC wooden spoon contention, pressuring Stokes' bold style. Retaining him signals faith, like Border's 1993 persistence, but demands evolution against Australia's precision.

Road to Redemption Starts in Melbourne

Stokes eyes pride in remaining Tests, building for 2026 home Ashes. Will tweaks restore Bazball magic? Crucial for his legacy and team morale.