Stokes urges England to 'show a bit of dog' in must-win Adelaide clash

Ben Stokes sees a familiar challenge in England's 0-2 Ashes deficit, recalling his side clawing back from the same position at home two summers ago. While the setting is harsher in Australia—where England haven't won a Test in 15 years—the captain insists the task's clarity is unchanged.

"We are able to draw on experience of being in this situation before," Stokes said ahead of the Adelaide Test. "We know what it's like… In terms of that, it hasn't changed from before we started."

He suggested the deficit has sharpened the team's focus. "Everyone knows what needs to happen… If anything, it actually makes everything look a bit more simple and a bit more clear for us. I have full backing that we can do this."

Stokes firmly rejected any notion that players owe him a response for his support. "No, I would never put it like that… These are the times where the players you have backed, you trust to go out there and deliver… I would never say 'you owe me.' Go out, do what needs to be done, and back yourself."

He urged his side to show "a bit of dog," citing this year's Lord's Test against India as an example, where a heated exchange preceded a strong England performance.

"I've done all the talking… It's about what gets seen on the field. Understand the situation and what's required for your team. Look at your opposition and show a bit of dog. That's fight to me."

While acknowledging the lingering edge from Brisbane, where Jofra Archer's spell at Steve Smith added bite, Stokes emphasized keeping the primary goal forefront.

"We have to remember what the actual goal this week is… If a moment arises where we need to get niggly, we'll jump on it. But the mind shouldn't go solely on creating that. The main thing is making sure we get the win."

He said the group's response has been positive. "The response the whole group has shown as a collective has been exactly what I wanted. Everyone's got a very clear mind and understands what this week is all about."