NEW DELHI: Ben Stokes is determined to change England's fortunes as he leads his team in the five-Test Ashes series starting Friday in Perth. England have not won an Ashes series in Australia since 2010/11, but Stokes is intent on writing a new chapter in their history.
If Stokes succeeds, he will become only the sixth England captain since the Second World War to win an Ashes series in Australia. The five predecessors who have accomplished this rare feat are Len Hutton, Ray Illingworth, Mike Brearley, Mike Gatting, and Andrew Strauss.
"We all know that England's record in Australia over the course of Ashes history isn't the best," Stokes told reporters before the Test. "But we have got an opportunity here over the next two and a half months to write our own history.
Ben Stokes snubs Virat Kohli, picks Steve Smith and Joe Root as greatest batters
"We have obviously come here with a goal, and that goal is to get on that plane in January, returning to England being Ashes winners."
However, Stokes stayed grounded, acknowledging Australia's stronghold on home soil.
"But it's going to be very, very tough. Beating Australia in Australia is not a very easy thing."
Stokes, however, remained tight-lipped about his playing XI for the Perth Test, even after England unveiled their 12-player squad on Wednesday.
"Team sport takes all eleven to influence at some point. All eleven guys who get the honour of being selected in the next five games will be just as important as each other."
The England captain also expressed his support for young off-spinner Shoaib Bashir, who has recently returned to action in the tour practice match and is included in the 12-member squad.
"He was always going to be in the 12-man [squad]. Seeing the way the game [England v England Lions] at Lilac Hill went, it felt like we could just get him as many opportunities to bowl as possible."
