Ben Stokes: England captain called 'cocky complainer' by Australian newspaper as he lands in Perth ahead of the Ashes

Ben Stokes has been called a "cocky complainer" by Australian media as the England captain arrived in Perth ahead of the first Ashes Test.

A picture of Stokes pushing a trolley laden with luggage at the airport was accompanied by the headline 'Baz Bawl' on the front page of the West Australian newspaper.

"England's Cocky Captain Complainer, still smarting from 'crease-gate' lands in Perth early thinking dopey 'BazBall' can take the Ashes," read the sub-head in reference to an incident in the last series when Jonny Bairstow was controversially stumped.

The Ashes: Dates, squads and venues for Test series

Stream cricket, football, golf and more contract-free

England men's cricket results and fixtures for 2025

Could England have to qualify for 2025 World Cup?

The article went on to criticise England's tactics under Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum, dubbing it "carefree and careless thrash batting".

Australia have named their squad for the first Test in Perth, which begins on November 21, with Marnus Labuschagne recalled, injured skipper Pat Cummins missing out, and three uncapped players - Jake Weatherald, Sean Abbott and Brendan Doggett - called up.

Australia's First Ashes Test squad: Steve Smith (c), Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster

Ashes series in Australia 2025-26

All times UK and Ireland

Click here to read article