Ben Stokes, the current Test captain of England, has made it clear that his eyes are set on one big goal — taking England to the No.1 spot in the ICC Test rankings. This is not just a statement of ambition but also a sign of the confidence England has built under his leadership. As cricket fans across India and the world watch closely, England is preparing for a crucial phase that could redefine their place in the Test cricket landscape.

At Cricbuzzs, we bring you all the latest developments around this major goal set by Stokes, what it means for the team, and how it can influence the global Test cricket scenario.

England’s Journey Under Ben Stokes

When Ben Stokes took over the Test captaincy in 2022, England was not in a strong position in the ICC rankings. They were inconsistent and lacked a clear direction. However, things began to change rapidly. Working closely with head coach Brendon McCullum, Stokes introduced a bold and attacking style of play that has since been called “Bazball” — a nickname derived from McCullum’s own cricketing nickname.

This new approach saw England winning 22 of their last 35 Test matches. From being ranked sixth, they climbed up to second place in the ICC Test team rankings, just behind Australia. These results did not happen by chance. They were backed by smart planning, fearless cricket, and a belief in young and experienced players alike.

According to Stokes, “When the rankings came out, I sent Baz and Keysy a message — we’ve got one more place to go.” This clearly shows that the team isn’t satisfied with just being second-best. The aim is to be at the very top.

Stay updated with such insights only on Cricbuzzs.

The Road Ahead: Big Matches Coming Up

If England wants to achieve the No.1 spot, their next few series will play a key role. They have a one-off Test against Zimbabwe followed by a high-profile five-match home series against India starting from 20 June 2025. After that, they will travel to Australia for another Ashes series.

Each of these matches carries high importance. Wins in these matches will not only help England gain ranking points but also build momentum and team confidence. Particularly, the series against India is expected to be a real test. Even though Indian veterans like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have announced their retirement from Test cricket, India remains a very strong side, especially in away tours.

Ben Stokes himself has mentioned that India can never be taken lightly, regardless of which players are in the team. His respect for the Indian cricketing system is well known. He even personally messaged Kohli after his retirement, calling him a top competitor and a great ambassador for Test cricket.

For in-depth Test series previews, follow Cricbuzzs.

Stokes’ Fitness and Discipline – A Key Factor

In December 2024, Stokes suffered a hamstring injury, which raised concerns about his availability for the 2025 season. However, showing great discipline, he has been working hard to get back in shape. He has even taken steps like cutting alcohol out of his lifestyle and signing up with a non-alcoholic drinks company as part of his wellness journey.

There’s also talk of him playing for the England Lions or other warm-up matches to build match fitness ahead of the India series. This shows his deep commitment to the team’s success.

As fans, it’s motivating to see a player of his stature leading by example. His professionalism could have a positive impact on younger players in the squad.

Catch exclusive updates on player fitness only at Cricbuzzs.

England’s Strategy for the Future

England is not only focusing on the present but also planning for the future. Emerging talents like Jacob Bethell are already being prepared to play key roles in upcoming series. Bethell, who impressed during England’s recent tour of New Zealand, is expected to be part of the India Test series.

This blend of youth and experience is part of England’s wider strategy to remain competitive in the long term. The selectors are not afraid to take bold decisions, and the team management is clear about its direction.

To understand how team combinations and squad choices are made, continue reading Cricbuzzs.

Final Thoughts

Ben Stokes’ goal of taking England to the top of the ICC Test rankings is not just a personal milestone. It reflects a wider vision — one where the team competes hard, plays fair, and inspires the next generation of cricketers. The next few months will be crucial for this journey. If England can maintain their winning form, adapt to different conditions, and keep players fit, they may well reach that No.1 spot.

Whether you’re an England supporter or a cricket fan in general, these developments are worth following closely. For readers in India, this also builds up to an exciting Test series that promises quality cricket and tough competition.

Stay tuned to Cricbuzzs for timely updates, match previews, expert insights, and more.