'I don't know if it's symbolic of where the game itself is at around the globe, but I see it as an absolute positive to be honest.'
Six different teams have lifted the trophy over the years, with the West Indies, England and reigning champions India the only nations to have won it twice.
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri outlined the quality of Steve Smith that has always amazed him, and expects the captaincy for the first Ashes Test in Perth to bring the best out of him.
'Ben (Stokes) has done it before, he has done special things in an England shirt.'
England have not won an Ashes Test match in Australia for nearly 15 years but their batting firepower could prove decisive in the series starting in Perth next month, according to former captain Alastair Cook.
'A further assessment will be conducted at the conclusion of the series.'
Ben Stokes wants to bombard Australia with express pace, while also banking on typically seaming home conditions, when the arch-rivals clash during the Ashes later this year.
"We're fully aware he's not the finished project and I think it's important for his inclusion not to be looked into too much."
England batter Harry Brook has cautioned against underestimating Australia in the Ashes series, even as doubts linger over the availability of their captain and fast bowler, Pat Cummins, for the opener in Perth.
Skipper Ben Stokes expressed pride in how England have fought toe to toe with India despite not having 'a chance in hell of competing' with the hosts.
Ben Stokes came up with a witty response after an Australian newspaper ridiculed him following the controversy over Jonny Bairstow's dismissal in the Lord's Test.
The all-rounder bludgeoned 18-year-old Josh Baker for 34 runs in an over which included five sixes and a boundary -- the second time in his county career he had cleared the rope in five consecutive deliveries.
England captain Ben Stokes went on to call Jofra Archer an 'incredibly gifted cricketer', irrespective of the colour of the ball in his hand.
Stokes begins his tenure with a two-Test series against New Zealand, in June.
England skipper Ben Stokes on Thursday said the hosts don't think the absence of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and R Ashwin makes India any lesser side as their "ginormous" talent pool is enough to fill the void.
'Dad played the biggest role in my cricket, coached me all the way through and sort of let me go as I got into my older teenage years, but (he) would always shoot a message (like) 'put the reverse sweep away'.'
'If the ball's hitting the stumps, the ball's hitting the stumps. I think that should take away the umpire's call.'
Australia captain Steve Smith has declined to rule out a surprise return for fast bowler Pat Cummins for the second Ashes Test against England.
Minnows Tripura shocked a team full of cash-rich IPL stars by 12 runs in a Group D match of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, in Ahmedabd, on Tuesday.
England replace Shoaib Bashir with Liam Dawson in playing XI for 4th Test against India
While Stokes's availability comes as a welcome boost to England's bowling department, they will not be able to call upon first-choice spinner Jack Leach, who suffered a stress fracture in his back earlier this month.
Since going missing from red-ball action in 2021, the 30-year-old endured a period during which injuries constantly plagued him, especially a recurring stress fracture in his right elbow.
England cricketer Ben Stokes can be selected for next month's tour of New Zealand after being charged with affray this week, the England and Wales cricket board (ECB) said on Wednesday.
England trounced Zimbabwe by an innings and 45 runs, with four sessions to spare, in the one-off Test at Trent Bridge on Saturday.
Admirer of Tendulkar, inspired by Pandya, UAE's Alishan Sharafu ready for India challenge in Asia Cup
England will require more heroics from Ben Stokes if they are to pull off an unlikely victory
England all-rounder Ben Stokes will be sidelined for about three months after fracturing his finger while playing for Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League, the England and Wales Cricket Board said on Friday.
England Test captain Ben Stokes has returned the compliment to Virat Kohli, saying he has always admired the energy and commitment that the Indian star brings to the field.
'I've seen some remarkable cricket moments in my life but that is the best I've seen in over 50 years. @benstokes38 saved the Ashes and gave magical inspirational innings. Even better than his World Cup performance. Well done @ECB_cricket'
Left-arm spinner Liam Dawson returned to England Test set up after a gap of eight years, replacing injured Shoaib Bashir in the squad for the fourth Test against India.
It was neither the 31-year-old all-rounder's fastest knock nor his most fluent as batting partners fell away, and he had to grind his way through some testing fast bowling.
England stayed calm under intense pressure to beat India by 22 runs on a final day of simmering tension and drama in the third Test at Lord's on Monday and move 2-1 up in the series.
England are hoping Ben Stokes might reconsider his retirement from one-day internationals and help the team defend their 50-over World Cup title next year.
'There have been a lot of 6:30 wake-ups on day four and day five when my alarm has been set for 8:15.'
Former England captain Michael Vaughan predicted the hosts will sweep the three-Test series against Pakistan despite the absence of talismanic all-rounder Ben Stokes for the last two matches. Stokes was part of the England team which pulled off a thrilling three-wicket victory in the series opener at Old Trafford but is now missing for family reasons.
Hussain said Stokes was "naturally gifted" but England would have to be sure he can cope with the demands of the role.
Steve Smith said the decision to drop Nathan Lyonwas taken to strengthen the pace-bowling department.
India finished day three of the second Test on 64/1 to lead England by 244 runs after they dismissed the hosts for 407 in the first innings at Edgbaston on Friday.
England's Test skipper Ben Stokes has said it is a shame to miss the chance to play against someone like Virat Kohli in a blockbuster Test series and opined that India would sorely miss the maestro's fighting spirit.
'I think Stokes would actually grow as a player if he was the captain of that side.'
