Stokes Aims to Propel England to Top Test Ranking

NOTTINGHAM: England’s captain, Ben Stokes, articulated his ambition to elevate the team to the pinnacle of the ICC Test rankings. He conveyed a strong conviction in the team’s increasing cohesion and strength.

Following the most recent annual update, England is currently positioned second in the ICC Test rankings. The 33-year-old conveyed his aspiration to advance and secure the top spot.

Stokes, while communicating with head coach Brendon McCullum and managing director Robert Key, made it clear that his primary objective is to achieve that number one ranking.

“Upon the release of the rankings, I messaged Baz and Keysy stating that we have one more position to gain,” Stokes disclosed.

The updated rankings witnessed England surpass both South Africa and India, ascending to the second position. Despite Australia’s substantial lead with a 13-point rating advantage, Stokes remains optimistic and focused.

“Everyone is aware that when our team performs well, we become exceptionally challenging to defeat. However, we acknowledge that this is not always the case,” he stated.

Stokes underscored the importance of control and dominance over aggressiveness, a mindset he believes is characteristic of England’s approach to Test cricket.

“I am not particularly fond of the term ‘ruthless’. The terms that resonate with me, and that I have strived to instill within this team, are ‘dominance’ and ‘dominate’. Irrespective of the circumstances we encounter in a match, I want those words to be at the forefront of our minds,” he concluded.

Notably, England is scheduled to play a one-off Test against Zimbabwe in Nottingham. This match serves as preparation before their ICC World Test Championship campaign, which commences with a demanding five-match home series against India.