England cricket captain Ben Stokes has emphatically dismissed any suggestion of resigning from his role, despite his side surrendering the Ashes urn to Australia with two matches still to play.
Adelaide Defeat Seals Series for Dominant Australia
The tourists' hopes of a miraculous fightback were extinguished in the third Test at Adelaide, where an 82-run defeat handed the series to the hosts. The loss means Australia now holds an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match contest.
England showed some resilience in their second innings, notably through a 91-run seventh-wicket partnership that featured a battling 60 from Jamie Smith. However, the damage was inflicted earlier, with a poor first-innings performance leaving the team with too much to do.
"Nope": Stokes' Defiant Response on Captaincy Future
Facing the media after the series loss was confirmed, Stokes was asked directly if he would consider his position as skipper. His reply was succinct and definitive: "Nope."
Elaborating, the all-rounder insisted he "absolutely" retains the energy and desire to lead the team forward. "It moves over into what else we have in front of us," Stokes stated, acknowledging the "very disappointing" failure to win in Australia. "We still have two games left in the series and a hell of a lot to play for, as individuals and a team."
Stokes emphasised the enduring honour of representing the nation, adding, "Walking out there and playing for England is a good enough thing in itself. We're not going to turn around and kick the stumps over because we have so much more to play for in the series."
England Camp Reflects on Missed Opportunity
Opener Zak Crawley echoed the captain's sentiment of disappointment, telling Test Match Special, "We came here to win the Ashes. We are probably up against it. It is flat. Disappointed we have not performed how we want to."
Crawley paid tribute to the quality of the opposition, saying, "Fair play to Australia, they have been quality throughout. It hasn’t surprised me. I know how good they are in their own country. They have great players all over the place."
The match was set up by a controversial first-innings century from Australian wicketkeeper Alex Carey, who benefited from a Snicko error that reprieved him before he reached triple figures.
Pride at Stake in Final Two Tests
With the series decided, England's focus now shifts to salvaging pride in the remaining fixtures. The fourth Test begins on Boxing Day at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), where Australia will pursue a 5-0 whitewash. The series then concludes in Sydney in early January.
For Alex Carey, the focus remains on the immediate challenge. "So far so good, but personally I don't like to look too far ahead, maybe reflect, jump in the pool tonight, get home to the kids and then come back tomorrow and really look forward to it," he told TNT Sports. "The boys are bowling really great areas, we know it'll be hard work again."
As for Ben Stokes and his England side, the mission is clear: regroup and fight to restore some honour before departing Australian shores.
