IT'S GOT TO BE PERTHECT

Tuffers warns Stokes that England MUST hit the ground running in crucial Ashes opener

- BY PATRICK AUSTEN-HARDY

BEN STOKES has been warned of the importance of getting off to a flyer in the first Ashes Test this winter.

Bazball will be heading Down Under for the first time in November with Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum having amassed an impressive win-percentage since joining forces in 2022.

But there have been plenty of ups and downs along the way, particularly against the Aussies during the first Test two years ago at Edgbaston.

England threw away a strong position early on in the 2023 Ashes by declaring on the very first day of the series.

The decision backfired, Australia going on to win by two wickets with Stokes and McCullum heavily criticised.