Ben Stokes Arrives in Perth as Australian Newspapers Revive Crease Gate Controversy From 2023 Ashes Series

With the first Ashes Test just two weeks away, tensions are already rising between England and Australia.

England captain Ben Stokes touched down in Perth on Tuesday, and the Australian media wasted no time in reigniting old controversies, dubbing him “England’s Cocky Captain Complainer” ahead of the series opener at Perth Stadium.

Old Controversies Back in the Spotlight

The headline refers to the infamous “crease-gate” incident from the 2023 Ashes at Lord’s, when England batsman Jonny Bairstow was run out by Australian wicket-keeper Alex Carey after believing the ball was dead.

The episode drew boos from England fans and sparked months of debate about sportsmanship and the spirit of cricket.

The West Australian newspaper highlighted the incident under the cheeky headline “Baz Bawl,” a nod to England’s Baz Ball style of play under coach Brendon McCullum.

The paper accused Stokes and his team of “persistent whingeing” over past controversies, including their dispute with India during the final hour of the fourth Test at Old Trafford this summer, when Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja batted through to centuries before agreeing to a draw.

Stokes’ Style and Criticism From Down Under

The newspaper also took aim at England’s aggressive approach under McCullum and Stokes, calling the Baz Ball philosophy “untested in Australia” and questioning whether their carefree batting style could reclaim the Ashes.

Stokes has previously hit back at Australian jabs, including a photoshopped image after the 2023 Bairstow run-out that depicted him as a baby with the caption “cry babies.”

Stokes responded on social media with characteristic humor: “That’s definitely not me, since when did I bowl with the new ball.”

He has consistently maintained that while England accepted the rules, winning in such a manner wasn’t how he would have liked it.

Merv Hughes Adds to the Pre-Series Banter

Australian cricket legend Merv Hughes has also weighed in, taking a pointed swipe at England’s recent disputes.

Appearing on The Grade Cricketer podcast, Hughes told Stokes’ side to “understand the rules of cricket,” referencing Bairstow’s dismissal.

He humorously outlined how staying in the crease prevents run-outs and whingeing, while holding up a cricket rule book sponsored by Victoria Bitter.

The beer brand has printed the laws of cricket on its cans, making a tongue-in-cheek effort to educate fans (and players) ahead of the summer series.

Pre-Ashes Tensions Set the Tone

With Australian media, cricket legends, and promotional stunts all reminding England of past controversies, the Ashes series is shaping up to be as much about psychological games as it is about cricketing skill.

Stokes and his team will have to navigate both the pitch and the headlines if they hope to reclaim the urn on Australian soil.