England Captain Ben Stokes has called on his team to display intense "fight" or "dog" as they head into the crucial Third Ashes Test against Australia in Adelaide, starting Wednesday. England is currently 2-0 down and must win the match at the Adelaide Oval to keep their hopes of regaining the urn alive and end a 17-match winless streak in Australia.
"No Place for Weak Men": Following the defeat in the Second Test at the Gabba, Stokes stated his dressing room was "no place for weak men" and confirmed "raw" and "meaningful conversations" have taken place since the loss.
Definition of "Dog": Stokes clarified that "show a bit of dog" means "fighting in every situation understanding the situation and what you feel is required for your team." He cited the Third Test win against India at Lord's in July as an example of the desired mindset, where the team's "attitude, mentality towards that specific situation" led to victory.
Stokes insisted he and coach Brendon McCullum are focused solely on the "greater good" of the team, stating he would never prioritize "protecting themselves over the greater good."
England made one change to the XI, with pace bowler Josh Tongue replacing Gus Atkinson. All-rounder Will Jacks retains his place ahead of specialist spinner Shoaib Bashir, despite the Adelaide pitch typically offering assistance to spinners and high temperatures forecast.
Stokes explained that the decision was driven by the team's 2-0 deficit, noting that having Jacks at number eight "strengthens our batting a little bit deeper," and that Jacks is "more than capable enough to handle that role with the ball."
The current series mirrors previous unsuccessful campaigns in Australia, where England has lost the last three series 5-0, 4-0, and 4-0.
Head coach Brendon McCullum dismissed speculation about his job being on the line if England loses this week, saying it "does not really bother me."
