Srinagar Nov 29 (KNS): England captain Ben Stokes has responded to the criticism directed at his team following their two-day defeat in the first Ashes Test in Perth. England were leading on the second day but collapsed from a strong position, losing nine wickets for 99 runs and conceding the match. Former cricketers and analysts have questioned England’s approach, with Mitchell Johnson describing the team as “arrogant” in his column.

Stokes, speaking before England’s first training session in Brisbane ahead of the second Test, said the team accepts criticism but disagreed with the use of the word. “People can call us whatever they want. ‘Arrogant’ is something I’m not sure fits, but we understand how things work. I’d rather be called rubbish than arrogant,” he said.

Stokes noted that although the team failed to deliver the performance they wanted, there were positive moments in the game. He said the players are focused on improvement and share the same desire to win as their supporters.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel“We know what our fans expect. We want to win as much as they do. We’re using our time and effort to work toward that,” he added.

England have also faced questions about their decision not to send first-choice players for the pink-ball warm-up match against Prime Minister’s XI in Canberra. Stokes defended the move, saying the conditions in Canberra would not match those in Brisbane, where the second Test begins on December 4.

“We looked at all factors before deciding. Canberra is in a different state, and the conditions are completely different from what we will face in Brisbane. Our preparation plan had to be adjusted because the first Test finished early,” Stokes explained.

England have already started pink-ball training in Brisbane and are expected to continue their preparation over the next few days.(KNS)