England's Ben Stokes answers questions during a news conference in Melbourne ahead of the fourth test which starts on Boxing Day. Photo: Getty ImagesAn emotional England captain Ben Stokes says the mental well-being of his players is his main priority heading into the last two matches of the Ashes series. "It's never a nice place to be when not only the media world but also the social media world is just piling on top of you," Stokes said. "It's a very tough, tough, tough place to be in as an individual, and when you know you've got the support of the people who are sort of leaders, it's very good to know that you've got that support." Stokes appeared to be more concerned with the impact of leaked video on social media than more mainstream criticism of England's cricket.

Source: Otago Daily Times December 24, 2025 16:19 UTC