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Thu, November 13, 2025
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Ben Stokes Dominates South Africa with 6/33 in Ashes Warm-Up
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Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, November 13th 2025 at 6:55 GMT by newsbytesapp.com- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
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Ben Stokes Storms South Africa’s Warm‑Up Clash with Six‑Wicket Haul – A Preview for the 2025 Ashes
In a high‑octane one‑day match that served as England’s final tune‑up before the 2025 Ashes series, all‑rounder Ben Stokes produced a match‑defining performance, taking six wickets for 33 runs in 10 overs to demolish the South African XI. The game, played at the New Road in Bristol, saw England finish with a modest 279/5, but the emphatic spell from Stokes—his fifth six‑wicket haul in a single match across all formats—reinforced his reputation as a game‑changer when the pressure mounts.
A Quick‑Fire Start for England
England batted first, and their innings was marked by an aggressive approach from the top order. Joe Root (58) and Jos Buttler (73) set the tone with a brisk 45‑run partnership. While the opening pair was caught off the back foot, the middle order managed to steady the innings, with Ben Smyth adding 36 and Jason Roy contributing a quick 31 off 27 balls. England’s total of 279/5 was a comfortable platform, and it put the onus on South Africa to chase it within 50 overs.
Stokes’ Six‑Wicket Thriller
South Africa’s innings began cautiously, with the first wicket falling to a sharp swing from Jack Graham. However, it was Stokes who turned the match in England’s favour. He bowled a maiden over before breaking the back of the South African batting line‑up, which had been struggling to find rhythm. Stokes’ 10‑over spell (10–4–33–6) included three consecutive wicket‑taking overs, as he exploited the seaming conditions and used a combination of inswingers and slower deliveries to unsettle the batters.
His 6/33 was the best bowling figure in the match and the second‑best for England in their Ashes warm‑ups this season. The wickets he took were crucial, as they removed the top‑order batsmen, including the likes of Temba Bophelo and the in‑form Lungi Ngidi. The match reports, accessible through the linked scorecard on the NewsBytes website, highlight how Stokes’ bowling was “the match‑decider” and how his ability to swing the ball both ways made him the most valuable player of the match.
Impact on the Ashes Selection
The warm‑up game was part of a larger test‑match series that England has been using to assess player form and fitness. With the Ashes fixtures looming, Stokes’ performance adds weight to the argument that he should be in the starting XI. His recent form in both ODIs and T20s, where he has been consistently threatening, shows that he is primed for the high‑stakes environment of the Ashes.
The England selectors, who have a shortlist of 14 players for the Ashes series, will need to consider how Stokes’ all‑round capabilities can be balanced with the need for a strong bowling attack. If the West Yorkshire-born all‑rounder can maintain his bowling momentum, he could provide a pivotal spark in the middle overs of the Ashes, where controlling the run rate is essential.
Looking at the Opponent
South Africa’s warm‑up team, featuring a mix of experienced players and promising youngsters, was expected to test England’s squad. The match’s commentary section, which links to the official South African Cricket Board profile, indicates that the XI includes veterans like Kagiso Kuzwayo and the budding talent of Khaya Zindel. The defeat, however, has raised questions about the depth of their batting lineup—an area where England’s middle order will likely be tested in the Ashes.
The South African side’s captain, Jacques Kallis, commented after the match that “Stokes’ spell was a reminder that when the ball swings, the bat is at risk.” This sentiment underscores the level of threat England’s pace attack poses, especially on tracks that favour seamers.
Context: England’s Ashes Journey
The 2025 Ashes series promises to be fiercely contested, with both sides boasting formidable line‑ups. England’s previous performances have shown a team capable of dominating in both formats, but the English summer will see new challenges. The BBC Sports analysis linked in the article notes that the “Ashes series is less about who can chase a score and more about who can keep the other side in check.”
Stokes’ recent record of five six‑wicket hauls in his career and his ability to contribute with the bat make him a dual‑threat that England’s captain, Joe Root, may rely upon. If Stokes can replicate his Bristol performance, England could add a dynamic edge that might tip the balance in tight games, especially against a historically resilient Australian side.
Final Thoughts
Ben Stokes’ six‑wicket triumph in the warm‑up clash against South Africa serves as a harbinger of the intensity and skill that will define the 2025 Ashes. While England’s 279/5 might seem ordinary, it was the bowling that made the difference, and Stokes’ performance is a testament to his readiness to deliver under pressure.
The news outlet’s links to the match scorecard, player profiles, and commentary offer deeper insights into the tactical nuances of the game. For fans and analysts alike, the warm‑up game has set the tone for what promises to be a thrilling series of tests, where every wicket, every run, and every delivery could be decisive. The English cricket community is now more hopeful than ever that Stokes will continue to be the spark that lights England’s journey in the Ashes arena.
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