‘We want flat, fast wickets for Ashes 2023’: Ben Stokes

England Test captain Ben Stokes has demanded flat and fast pitches for the upcoming Ashes 2023 series against Australia. Stokes also claimed that he has a starting XI in his mind and will pick the best team for the series.
“I think I know what the starting XI is going to be, there or thereabouts,” Stokes was quoted as saying on Sky Sports during their Indian Premier League coverage.
“Having the option to bowl above 90mph, any captain wants that. [But] when it comes to that first Test I will be making sure I pick the best team for that first game.
“We’ve been clear with the ground staff what type of wickets we want and they have been responsive. We want flat, fast wickets. We want to score quickly. If that brings [Australia’s] guys in, they will be happy. I’m smiling, because I’m looking forward to it,” he added.
On his own fitness, Stokes said, “Medically and in the gym, plus cortisone injections – everything is going nicely. But I’m not going to rush myself, the main priority is making sure I can fulfil my role as a fourth seamer in the Ashes.”
Ashes has become one of the most significant rivalries in cricket, and the series is played every two years, alternating between England and Australia. The series conss of five Test matches, and the team that wins the majority of the matches takes home the urn.
The 2023 Ashes series is sure to be a highly anticipated event for cricket fans worldwide. Both teams will be looking to secure victory and claim the Ashes urn.