The Ashes series is round the corner and is expected to be a heated affair, like always, seeing the current form of both England and Australia.
Australia, however, holds a slight edge, despite England’s spirited performance in recent run-laden series against World Cup finalists New Zealand.
Last time when England faced Australia they were left bruised in a 5-0 hammering, but England all-rounder Ben Stokes said they are not afraid of the visitors.
“They have got some quick bowlers but there is nothing to fear,” Stokes said. “They’re as human as we are. Whatever we get chucked at us, we are going to chuck back, if not a bit more.”
Stokes, in particular, was at Australia’s target in the last Ashes series and had an on-field banter with Aussie spearhead Mitchell Johnson, when they bumped shoulders.
Johnson, however, has said that Australia would not be involved in any war of words deliberately, but Stokes reckons he is ready for any sort of banter.
“In cricket, people like to get in a battle and there is more than one way of being in a battle than exchanging words with someone,” Stokes insisted.
“If people want to say something, then I am going to say something. If they don’t, then I’m still going to try to make it feel like I am in a battle with the bowler.”
“It is always about trying to win and just trying to make every single opportunity you can into a battle and make sure you don’t lose,” he added.
