England captain Ben Stokes concedes that he has probably spoken too much about next year's Ashes and is keen that the tourists stay in the "here and now" as they look to sweep their test series against New Zealand in Hamilton this week.

Ben Stokes believes he has been putting too much emphasis on England's next Ashes series and plans to start keeping a check on expectations ahead of facing Australia.

Ashes barbs from England too far out from next year’s showdown against Australia, with captain Ben Stokes declaring he “spoke a little too much” before the teams last met and lost focus on what was in front of him.

England captain Ben Stokes concedes that he has probably spoken too much about next year's Ashes and is keen that the tourists stay in the "here and now" as they look to sweep their test series against New Zealand in Hamilton this week.

England men's last overseas Test before the 2025-26 Ashes takes place in Hamilton this week - but Ben Stokes has urged his team not to get distracted by next winter's assignment in Australia. The warning comes as England prepare for their final Test against New Zealand at Seddon Park this week - their 17th of the year - as they look to cap off 2024 with a 3-0 clean sweep.