Key Highlights
- Australia’s media dubs England’s Joe Root “Average Joe” and “a dud Down under.”
- Ben Stokes is labeled as a “cocky complainer,” with critics calling the Australian team their worst since 2010.
- The Ashes series kicks off in Perth on November 21, 2025.
- Pre-series jibes between players and media are heating up ahead of the first Test match.
Pre-Series Jibes and Media Fling
The build-up to the Ashes series has been nothing short of a pre-war atmosphere, with both teams and their respective media outlets getting into heated exchanges. The Australian press, in particular, has not held back, targeting England’s top players and questioning their ability to perform on Australian soil.
Joe Root’s Reputation Under Fire
Australian media have taken aim at Joe Root, England’s top batter, branding him as “Average Joe” and “a dud Down under.” This moniker is based on his poor record of scoring centuries away from home. The West Australian newspaper went so far as to publish a headline urging readers to check page nine for “stats that haunt England’s greatest batter.”
Ben Stokes Under Scrutiny
England’s all-rounder Ben Stokes has also faced criticism, being labeled the “cocky complainer.” This comes in the wake of controversy surrounding his role in the 2023 Ashes series when Alex Carey’s stumping of Jonny Bairstow ignited a debate on cricket’s spirit. The West Australian described England’s playing style under captain Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum as “dopey” and “careless thrash batting.”
Stokes’ Critics Pile On
Australia’s Ryan Harris, who played in the 2010/11 Ashes series, dismissed Stuart Broad’s claim that this is the worst Australian Test team since then. He argued that Broad was “drumming up hype” and noted that Australia has faced unproven batsmen like Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett on their wickets.
Stokes’ Defenders Weigh In
In response to the criticism, England’s captain Ben Stokes hit back at his critics. He accused those who had criticized the team’s preparation of “playing golf” instead of taking the field seriously. Stokes also highlighted that only a single warm-up game was played before the series began.
The Ashes Series: A Battle for Glory
As the first Test in Perth looms, both teams are ready to battle it out on the pitch and through their media strategies. The West Australian has gone as far as predicting a “stuff of nightmares” scenario for England’s flat-track Bazball bullies, with a green pitch expected to be unfriendly to the visitors.
The Ashes series in Australia 2025-26 is set to start on November 21, 2025, and will run through five Tests across major cities. The pre-series jibes have added an extra layer of tension as both teams gear up for the serious business.
With the phoney war in full swing, it remains to be seen how these pre-game exchanges will play out on the field.
As the Ashes series kicks off, cricket fans worldwide are eagerly waiting to see which team emerges victorious.
The first Test is set for Optus Stadium in Perth, with matches scheduled across major Australian cities:
- First Test: November 21-25 (8pm)
- Second Test: December 4-8 (8pm)
- Third Test: December 17-21 (12am)
- Fourth Test: December 25-29 (11.30pm)
- Fifth Test: January 4-8 (11.30pm)
The Ashes series is not just about on-field performances but also the pre-series buildup that has already generated significant media attention and debate. As the series progresses, expect more of these spirited exchanges and intense cricketing action.
