Stokes questions England’s mental toughness after heavy Ashes defeat

Brisbane, 8 December 2025:

England captain Ben Stokes challenged his team’s mentality after their eight-wicket loss to Australia in the second Test, saying the dressing room is “not a place for weak men.”

England showed some resistance on the fourth day in Brisbane, but the defeat left them 2-0 down in the five-match Ashes series. Stokes dismissed suggestions that England’s problems stem from a lack of skill and instead asked why his side continues to falter in decisive moments.

“Do we need to start thinking about what mentality we’re taking into those pressure moments?” Stokes said. “When we’re on top, we’re great. When we’re behind the game, we’re also very good. But when it’s neck and neck, we’re not coming out on top enough.”

Stokes battled for 152 balls to make 50, but England collapsed again, losing 4–17 after Will Jacks’ dismissal and leaving Australia just 65 runs to chase.

“There’s a saying we’ve used a lot, Australia is not for weak men,” Stokes told BBC Test Match Special. “A dressing room I captain is not a place for weak men either.”

In a separate interview, Stokes clarified that he did not view his players as “weak.” Former captain Michael Vaughan said the comments should serve as a warning.

“Ben Stokes will never give up, and he wants that from his team,” Vaughan said on the BBC Daily Ashes Debrief. “A few better get ready.”

Speaking after the defeat, Stokes also defended the squad’s scheduled break in Noosa and insisted England can still fight back in the series.