SYDNEY: England captain Ben Stokes remains optimistic despite his side’s defeat in the third Ashes Test, believing the team can build on encouraging signs as they chase a long-awaited victory in Australia. Sunday’s 82-run loss at the Adelaide Oval handed Australia an unassailable 3-0 lead and ensured the urn stayed firmly in home hands, but Stokes insists the series is not without value for his team’s growth.
England’s improved second-innings batting performance offered rare encouragement in a difficult campaign, with several players responding well under pressure. Stokes said the Adelaide Test helped individuals learn more about themselves, particularly in high-stakes moments, and highlighted positives that could shape both the remaining matches and the team’s future direction.
While acknowledging the emotional weight of another series setback and the criticism over England’s preparation for Australian conditions, Stokes believes the lessons from Adelaide can inspire a stronger showing in Melbourne and Sydney. With England yet to win a Test Down Under since their triumph in Sydney in January 2011, the captain hopes the final two matches can mark the beginning of a long-overdue turnaround
