Ben Stokes issues rallying cry as third Ashes Test between England and Australia looms

Another defeat would all but extinguish hopes of reclaiming the urn, extending a grim pattern that has seen England lose their last three Ashes series Down Under by margins of 5-0, 4-0 and 4-0.

The defeat at the Gabba left scars, not least Stokes’ blunt assessment that the dressing room was “no place for weak men”.

In the eight days since Brisbane, the captain admits the conversations inside the camp have been “raw”, with the squad forced to confront both form and mentality ahead of a contest England must win.

Adelaide also carries personal significance for Stokes.

It was here, 12 years ago, that a 22-year-old all-rounder made a combative introduction to Ashes cricket, clashing memorably with Australia wicketkeeper Brad Haddin on debut.

Asked whether that confrontational edge comes more naturally to him than others, Stokes rejected the idea that “fight” is a simple or singular concept.

“It’s a word that I think people don’t really understand what it means,” Stokes said.

“What it means to me could be completely different to someone else.

"It’s just trying to fight in every situation that you find yourself in and understanding the situation and what you feel is required for your team. Just look at your opposition every single time and show a bit of dog. That’s fight to me.

“As long as you go out there and everyone is in that mindset around the situation and what is needed, you’re giving yourself the best possible chance if you’ve got a bit of dog in you.”

To underline the point, Stokes pointed to England’s victory over India at Lord’s in July, when attitude and discipline aligned perfectly in a volatile contest decided by 22 runs.

“That’s exactly what I’m on about,” Stokes said. “That was a moment where we all did that, we all noticed and we all identified that moment.

“You saw the way the team came out on that day. We were probably in a situation where we would have to be absolutely perfect to win that game and we were.

"On the back of attitude, mentality towards that specific situation is what gave us the best chance of winning that game.”

England have made one change for Adelaide, with Josh Tongue replacing Gus Atkinson, while Will Jacks retains his place at the expense of Shoaib Bashir.

The omission of Bashir has raised eyebrows given the traditionally spin-friendly surface and forecast temperatures approaching 39 degrees, but Stokes was keen to frame the decision in the context of a series on the line.

“I wouldn’t say it’s got anything to do against Bash whatsoever,” Stokes said.

“The main thing is we’re 2–0 down. We need to win the next three. We feel having Jacksy down at number eight obviously strengthens our batting a little bit deeper if we need to go there.

"And he’s more than capable enough to handle that role with the ball when we need to call upon it.”

The wider implications of defeat are not lost on England’s leadership.

Heavy Ashes losses in Australia have often triggered upheaval, yet Stokes insists neither personal security nor job speculation will shape decision-making.

After head coach Brendon McCullum dismissed suggestions his position could be under threat, Stokes echoed that stance.

“If people are trying to protect themselves over the greater good, which is the team, and look after their own back – I’m certainly never going to do that,” Stokes said.

“My job is to captain this team and I’ll do everything I can to lead the team in the best possible way that I can.”