Baz and I are clear on how we want to operate... and everyone has bought into it really quickly

ENGLAND are unbeaten in a home Ashes series since 2001.

- RICHARD EDWARDS

And it is a record that Ben Stokes has no intention of letting slip this summer.

But whatever happens over the next two months, he is also intent on ensuring that England players continue to perform with a smile on their faces.

And make this a series to remember.

"We want to help create memories for these players," he said. "You want to look back on the period you spent playing for England and think, 'What a good time we had then".

" Speaking to The Red Bulletin, Stokes outlined the philosophy that has served England so well since he was handed the captaincy and Brendon McCullum (with Stokes above) was named head coach.

This winter, Stokes equalled the record of becoming the fastest captain to 10 Test wins.

Since the pair came together, England have been an irresistible force, winning 10 out of 12 Tests.

But Australia could prove an immovable object, having won seven out of 11 Tests in 2022 and losing just once.

Whatever the outcome of the series, at a time when Test cricket is more under threat than at any other in its history, this Ashes should illustrate why the original format is still the best.