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James Anderson Rebukes Ben Stokes for Praising 'Effort' After Ashes Rout

The BBC Radio broadside sharpens scrutiny of England's standards during the ECB's review of the 4-1 tour.

Overview

  • Speaking on BBC Radio, the former fast bowler said basic work rate should never be celebrated, adding that players unwilling to run in all day are in the wrong sport.
  • Ben Stokes had defended his side's commitment after the series, pointing to dropped catches and a lack of execution as decisive factors.
  • Anderson highlighted Mitchell Starc as the series' standout and presented the Australian's sustained pace and consistency as the expected benchmark.
  • Australia won the 2025–26 Ashes 4-1, a comprehensive margin that has intensified questions about England's performance levels.
  • The criticism lands as the ECB conducts a tour review, with media reports revisiting concerns over limited warm-ups and the much-criticized Noosa break.