I FEEL NEED FOR SPEED

Stokes fires starting gun for Bazball by telling groundsmen: I want flat, fast tracks for Ashes

- SIMON CASS

BEN STOKES has demanded this summer's Ashes venues deliver "fast, flat wickets" to help England continue their all-out attacking approach and take down Australia.

England Test skipper Stokes (above) feels the need for speed against Australia and has asked the groundstaff to play ball. The word has gone out to Edgbaston, Lord's, Old Trafford, Headingley and The Oval to provide quick and true pitches that will allow him to adopt his favoured positive mindset.

Green-top surfaces that suit seamers have often played to traditional English strengths, but Stokes is fully committed to the dynamic brand of cricket that has defined his impressive tenure.

Stokes said: "We've been very clear with the groundstaff around England about what type of wickets we want and they've been very responsive, which is good.