Stokes Urges Fearless England Ahead of Ashes

Captain Ben Stokes has told the England cricket team that they should not be
scared of Australia. His message came as the selectors announced a 12-man
squad for the first Ashes Test.

The squad includes off-spinner Shoaib Bashir, which shows that the selectors
are keeping their options open. England also named four main fast bowlers for
the opening Test in Perth on Friday — Mark Wood, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson,
and Brydon Carse. Carse was chosen ahead of Josh Tongue.

Stokes’ message is seen as an effort to boost the team’s confidence as they
prepare for one of cricket’s toughest and most famous rivalries.