‘Rent Free’: Ben Stokes’ sharp response to Australian media over ‘Ashes’ Jibe

England Test captain Ben Stokes made a sensational statement that his team “will live forever in the memories of the people who were lucky enough to see us play cricket”. Stokes made the claim during a post-match dressing room speech, which was shown by the ECB during a documentary about the 2023 Ashes series. The all-rounder’s comments came after last year’s 4th Test was marred by rain in Manchester. The defeat allowed Australia to retain the Ashes ‘Urn’, leaving England’s players devastated.

After losing the first two Tests, England managed to bounce back in Ashes 2023, which ended 2-2. However, Australia managed to retain the Ashes despite the result.

“Everything we have done so far will not stop because we were unable to win back the ballot box. The reward for our work is not what we earn, but what we become. is that we have managed to become a sports team that will live forever in the memories of the people who were lucky enough to watch us play cricket. I know it’s going to be a little boring, I know it’s going to hurt when we go to the. next game (at The Oval) we can’t get the urn back, but what we’ve done is something far bigger than any Ashes trophy could mean for this team – being the team everyone will always remember,” said Stokes. after the fourth Test had been eliminated, as shown by the ECB in the documentary entitled ‘The Ashes 2023 |

Reacting to Stokes’ comments, Fox Sports Australia shared the exact quotes to mock him, saying: “right, yes, of course.”

However, Stokes quickly responded, stating that his only intention was to motivate his teammates and insinuated that Australians are obsessed with England.

“Told this to the team who saw it rain for 2 days when we had our foot down, just tried to cheer up the disappointment to be honest, but anyway, no rent and all that,” Stokes replied in the post.

I said this to the team that saw it rain for 2 days when we had our foot on your throat, I just tried to cheer up the disappointment to be honest, but anyway, no rent and everything https://t.co/ULRZ4WITOq

-Ben Stokes (@benstokes38) July 3, 2024

For the record, England have not won an Ashes series since 2015, while their last Ashes Test victory on Australian soil came in 2009.