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'This is where we destroyed Australia': Ben Stokes relives Ashes glory and Bazball memories at Trent Bridge before ENG vs NZ originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Ben Stokes recalled some of his favourite Trent Bridge memories ahead of England's third Test against New Zealand.
- The England captain was speaking to Sky Sports Cricket's Michael Atherton amid the nightclub incident controversy.
- Atherton and later Stokes described Trent Bridge, Nottingham, as the birthplace of Bazball.
- England had also beaten Australia in the fourth Test of the 2015 series at the venue, winning the Ashes series.
Ben Stokes recalls special Trent Bridge memories before England's Test against New Zealand
England captain Ben Stokes says Trent Bridge holds some of the most special memories of his career as he returns to lead his side in the third and decisive Test match against New Zealand in Nottingham.
During a pre-match interview with former England captain Michael Atherton on Sky Sports Cricket, the duo discussed about several iconic moments associated with the venue, including England's 2015 Ashes triumph and the unforgettable 2022 victory over New Zealand that helped define the Bazball era.
When asked whether those memories could provide inspiration ahead of the third and final Test, as the series remains tied at 1-1, Stokes admitted the ground occupies a unique place in England cricket folklore.
"Yeah, definitely. And again, it's this ground for not just for this group, but also for England in general," Stokes said. "And for me, it's got some pretty special memories here."
One of those memories came during England's dominant victory over Australia in the 2015 Ashes. The hosts bowled Australia out for just 60 on the opening morning before completing an innings-and-78-run victory inside three days to regain the urn.
The match also featured one of the most memorable catches of Stokes' career, a stunning one-handed grab at fifth slip to dismiss Adam Voges off local hero Stuart Broad's bowling.
"We won the Ashes in 2015. That game was the same game for the catch, where Broady destroyed Australia, which is always nice," Stokes said with a smile.
MORE:'Hasn't apologised for the chaos': Michael Atherton's verdict after Ben Stokes interview on the nightclub incident
How England, New Zealand and Trent Bridge are linked to Bazball's rise
While the 2015 Ashes victory remains special, Stokes also fondly recalled England's remarkable run chase against New Zealand in 2022.
England were set 299 to win on the final day and they chased the target in fewer than 50 overs thanks to a breathtaking assault led by Jonny Bairstow's 136 from 92 balls and an unbeaten 75 from Stokes himself.
The victory secured a 2-0 series lead and became a statement of the aggressive style that would later become known as Bazball under Stokes and Brendon McCullum.
"And this is where we gave supporters a pretty good day out against New Zealand in 2022," Stokes said. "Obviously, we had a full crowd here watching, and people at home, I think, were pretty entertained."
The England captain believes the reaction from supporters after that victory helped convince the squad they were building something special.
"I mean, that's almost where everything sort of started for us. That was just an awesome day to be a part of," he added.
"I think we really, really felt that from the fans, that it was like, wow, this is going to be pretty good to watch."
MORE:'It hurt me': Ben Stokes explodes over Joe Root backlash after owning up to England curfew sins
Why This Matters: Stokes-McCullum and Bazball in crisis
England's crushing 253-run defeat at The Oval, coupled with Stokes' suspension following the nightclub controversy, led to speculation that the captain's relationship with head coach Brendon McCullum had suffered.
Stokes used his return to firmly reject those claims in the pre-match press conference, insisting the pair remain close despite difficult conversations behind the scenes.
READ:What really happened in Ben Stokes' nightclub incident: Timeline of England captain's potentially career-ending controversy
With England having surrendered the series lead and the Bazball project facing its fiercest criticism since the 2025 Ashes loss in Australia, a victory at Trent Bridge would not only secure the series against New Zealand but also ease questions about the Stokes-McCullum partnership and the direction of England's Test philosophy.
What is your favourite England memory at the Trent Bridge? For all the latest cricket news, opinion, and commentary and to share your voice, head to our Facebook, Instagram, and X (Twitter) pages.
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