England's Ben Stokes walks out on to the ground on the fifth day of the Perth Test where he scored a memorable maiden century. Picture: AP Source: Theron Kirkman / AP
THIRD Test revelation Ben Stokes says England will have no trouble "getting up" for the Boxing Day Test, despite already having lost the Ashes.
As the England team arrived in Melbourne to set up their Christmas base tonight, Stokes said nobody would battle for motivation despite the 3-0 series deficit.
"I don't think so ... there's still a lot to play for: personal pride, playing in front of 100,000 at the MCG," Stokes said.
"I don't think that will take much getting up for.
"It's going to be pretty special for everyone, but we'll still be going out there trying to win these last two Test matches."
Stokes, 22, who was sent home in disgrace from Melbourne last summer for partying indiscretions while on an England Lions tour, was the bright light for the visitors in Perth, hammering a maiden Test century in just his second Test match.
Ben Stokes celebrates a well-deserved century at the WACA Ground on Tuesday. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: News Limited
He said the mood in the camp had been understandably subdued after the match, but had already begun lifting for next Thursday's match and beyond.
"We've still got the one-day series to look ahead to. If we can take some confidence from these last two Test matches into then (it would help)."
Stokes, whose 120 in the second innings at the WACA Ground off just 195 balls under fierce pressure won him a host of admirers, said he'd learnt a lot in his two Tests, despite being on the wrong end of the results.
"It was the kind of challenge you want. It's never going to be easy, but it's good to put yourself up there against a strong Australian attack on a fast wicket," he said.
England batsman Ben Stokes hits Nathan Lyon for a boundary. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: News Limited
"It gives you belief that you can do it - but I wouldn't say I surprised myself. That's why I was in the team, to get runs at No.6."
"If you've got belief, that's a massive bonus whenever you walk out on to the pitch. Obviously it'd be nice to get a hundred every time, but that's pretty unrealistic."
He said embattled England coach Andy Flower had been critical to his revitalisation and that he'd matured greatly after last summer's drinking-related incidents.
"He gave me another chance. I showed him that I wanted to play for England and get back into the fold and make sure he changed his mind if he had any negative views on myself. He gave me another chance and I'm pretty thankful for that.
"I had to take a look at the bigger picture and realise we're sort of icons to ... kids and stuff like that, so you've got to be doing the right things on and off the pitch."
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