Ben Stokes exclusive: England captain 'never' going to tell 'generational talent' Harry Brook how to play after 'shocking' admission amid tough Ashes
Published 16/12/2025 at 12:06 GMT
England captain Ben Stokes reacted to Harry Brook's admission that he had produced some "shocking" shots in the NRMA Insurance men’s Ashes series so far by saying he would never tell the batter how to approach his time at the crease. However, the skipper acknowledged that his team-mates were aware they had made errors, and that they realised the enormity of the third Test in Adelaide.
‘I’ll never tell him how to play’ – Stokes defends ‘generational talent’ Brook
Video credit: TNT Sports
England captain Ben Stokes has said he would "never" tell "generational talent" Harry Brook how to play cricket after the batter recently admitted to some "bad" errors.
Brook said that he would have to "rein in" some "shocking" efforts as he and England have struggled so far in the NRMA Insurance men’s Ashes - as their hunt for a first series triumph on Australian soil since 2010/11 sits on thin ice.
They are 2-0 down in the series, with the third Test, in Adelaide, to be shown live on TNT Sports and discovery+. Anything but victory will see England lose their chance of bringing the urn back to England.
Stokes said that while Brook had owned up to areas he could improve, he would not be telling the player how to go about his game, citing a talent gulf between him and his player. Brook currently averages 55 in Test cricket.
The England captain told TNT Sports: "Everyone knows when they've messed up. Harry Brook is a generational talent. One thing that will never happen is me telling him how to play. He is so much better than me.
"He is so much better than a lot of the players. He has got that ability to take the game away from teams like very few people have over the last couple of years.
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‘Everyone is so clear’ – Stokes confident mentality concerns behind England
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"Kevin Pietersen is one of those guys. But those guys take accountability as well, and those comments from Harry is him doing that."
Stokes also acknowledged the magnitude of the third Test, given it could decide the whole series, but said that his long career put him in a position to offer guidance to the team.
The 34-year-old all-rounder has played in 117 Test matches, making him one of the most experienced players in the country’s history.
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He said: "This week is huge. I've been lucky enough that I've been playing for a long time, so I've played in some very, very big moments, been involved in some very, very big occasions, and using those experiences and voicing them to the group, like I have done the last few days, makes it a lot clearer.
"Everyone is so clear about the meaning of comments now and, for me, I felt I needed to use my own way of dealing with huge moments, like we have here.
"We are where we are. We have to win this game, and runs and taking 20 wickets is just as important in this game."
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Brook reveals 'four things' England have identified in pursuit of first Ashes series win
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Wood injury 'incredibly disappointing'
Stokes also had a message of support for Mark Wood, who is unavailable through injury.
Wood confirmed he would miss the remainder of the series after suffering a recurrence of his left knee injury, having made his Test comeback in Perth after being sidelined for more than eight months.
Stokes said that the occupation of pace bowling carries inherent fitness problems, even when players are fit enough to bowl.
"Incredibly disappointing, more for Woody," he said. "He's one of my best mates. I know what he's put himself through. Not only physically, but mentally, because rehabs do drain on you sometimes.
"I know Woody has had to go through a few. It is so unfortunate. Bowling fast hurts your body. Ask any fast bowler. You’re never not hurt."
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