The stage is set for one of cricket's greatest rivalries as England captain Ben Stokes touched down in Perth over the weekend, immediately facing a fiery welcome from Australian media that signals the intense battle ahead in the 2025 Ashes series.
Media Warfare Begins
Upon arrival, Stokes was greeted by a provocative front-page attack from The West Australian newspaper, showcasing the psychological warfare that traditionally precedes Ashes contests. The headline "Baz Bawl" accompanied by the subheading "England's Cocky Captain Complainer, still smarting from 'crease-gate', lands in Perth thinking dopey 'Baz Ball' can take the Ashes" set the tone for what promises to be a fiercely competitive series.
This media confrontation mirrors similar treatment English tabloids have historically given Australian teams arriving at Heathrow, though the English camp typically expresses offense when receiving such treatment themselves.
The 'Baz Ball' Controversy
The term 'Baz Ball' refers to England's aggressive playing style under New Zealand coach Brendon 'Baz' McCullum, though cricket legend Sir Viv Richards recently noted this attacking approach isn't revolutionary. During a Toronto visit last year promoting the World Twenty20 Cup, Richards reminded audiences that his dominant West Indies team had perfected such explosive cricket decades earlier, playing to packed stadiums worldwide without modern protective equipment like helmets.
The West Australian publication didn't hold back in its assessment, writing: "Kiwi-born Ben Stokes, the King of England's self-proclaimed re-invention of cricket dubbed 'Baz Ball,' has sauntered into Perth confident the crazed brand of carefree and careless thrash batting — untested in Australia — will reclaim the Ashes."
Historical Grudges and Fresh Barbs
The newspaper referenced the lingering 'crease-gate' controversy from the previous Ashes series in England, where Jonny Bairstow's controversial stumping after wandering from his crease caused uproar among English fans who showered Australian players with boos, despite Bairstow technically being at fault.
Australian great Merv Hughes recently added fuel to the fire with a veiled swipe at England, suggesting Stokes' team needs to "understand the rules of cricket" in reference to the Bairstow incident. The verbal exchanges escalated with retired Australian opener David Warner predicting a 4-0 thrashing of England, while former English fast bowler Stuart Broad countered by calling the current Australian squad "the worst Aussie squad to play in the Ashes since 2010."
Series Stakes and Team Dynamics
England faces a daunting challenge, attempting to win their first Ashes series in Australia since 2011. The hosts have dominated at home with 13 consecutive victories, including a 5-0 sweep followed by two 4-0 victories. The series represents cricket's second-most watched rivalry globally, behind only India versus Pakistan contests.
England arrives at full strength, while Australia will miss influential skipper and pace bowler Pat Cummins for the first Test due to a lower back injury. In Cummins' absence, ace batsman Steven Smith will captain the side, with Tasmania's Jake Weatherald making his debut as opening batsman alongside Usman Khawaja.
England's batting lineup features exciting talents including Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Harry Brook, and the world's current best Test batsman Joe Root - though Australian media has already dubbed him "Average Joe" due to his previous struggles to score centuries in Australia.
The bowling department showcases England's fearsome pace duo of Jofra Archer and Mark Wood, currently the world's fastest bowling pair. They're supported by additional quick options Josh Tongue, Gus Atkinson, and Brydon Carse, with spin duties handled by Shoaib Bashir and Will Jacks.
Australia counters with run-scoring machines Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, and Smith, supported by Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, and Alex Carey. The reliable Scott Boland replaces Cummins alongside pace superstars Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, with Nathan Lyon providing the spin threat.
Recent Ashes series in Australia have favored pace bowlers, with matches typically concluding within three to four days. After the Perth opener, the series moves through Brisbane, Adelaide, and Melbourne before concluding in Sydney on January 4, 2026.
