Stokes Demands "Dog" from England in Ashes Defence

England captain Ben Stokes has issued a rallying cry to his team ahead of the crucial Adelaide Test, urging them to find a greater level of "dog" and fighting spirit. With England trailing Australia 2-0 in the Ashes series, Stokes emphasized the need for a mental reset and a fiercer approach to keep their championship hopes alive.

Stokes recalled a past incident with India during the summer, where a determined attitude led to a vital victory. He has reiterated to his players that there is no alternative but to fight in every situation, drawing on their shared experience of the intense Australian atmosphere. This sentiment aims to prepare them for the remaining matches, eliminating any possibility of being taken aback by the pressure.

England has made one change to their lineup, bringing in Josh Tongue for fresh legs in the pace attack, while Shoaib Bashir has again been overlooked. Stokes acknowledged that the intensity of cricket in Australia, particularly the hostile crowds, might have contributed to the team's perceived lack of fight. He expressed hope that the upcoming match in Adelaide will showcase a different, more resilient England side.