ENG vs IND 2025: Ben Stokes doesn’t need an Ashes to prove himself as a remarkable player and captain – Michael Vaughan

Michael Vaughan and Ben Stokes. (Photo Source: Twitter/X)

Ben Stokes has been an inspirational captain and cricketer for England. Since taking up the captaincy of the England Test team, Stokes has brought the best out of his teammates and instilled in them a fighting spirit that has been lauded by experts as well as fans.

In the third Test between India and England, Stokes led from the front, bowling marathon spells and picking up important wickets with the ball and also captaining the side commendably. India dominated proceedings during most parts of the high-voltage encounter at Lord’s. However, Stokes and Co. were relentless in their pursuit of a victory, and they eventually won by 22 runs to take a 2-1 lead in the five-match series.

Former England captain Michael Vaughan was particularly pleased with Stokes’ decision to bring back Jofra Archer to England’s playing XI for the first time in four years in Test cricket for the game against India. Vaughan was also impressed with some of Stokes’ field settings.

“What he has done for the team and the way he has played this expansive game across Test match cricket for the number of years is phenomenal,” Vaughan said while speaking on Cricbuzz.

Vaughan also opined that the Three Lions don’t lose too many matches when Stokes is in charge of the side. The cricketer-turned-expert pointed out the all-rounder’s ability to come good when under pressure.

“England don’t lose many games of cricket when Ben Stokes is in action. When the pressure’s been on and the game’s on a knife edge, I don’t think I have ever seen Ben lose,” he added.

England lost the first two matches in the Ashes in 2023 at home under Stokes’ leadership. However, they won two out of the next three games to draw level. England are all set to face Australia in the Ashes later this year. Vaughan believes that even if England fails to win the series, it shouldn’t cause any harm to Stokes’ legacy as a leader and a player.