'He commands respect on the field, he leads by example, he is right up there' - Mark Wood praises Ben Stokes' captaincy in ongoing Ashes 2023 series

England speedster Mark Wood has revealed that he has been blown away by Ben Stokes' captaincy. The ongoing Ashes 2023 series is Stokes' first as captain, having taken over the role from Joe Root in 2022. After taking over the captaincy role, the 32-year-old pioneered a new playing style known as 'Bazball,' alongside head coach Brendon McCullum.

Wood praised Stokes on his captaincy, saying he has grown up so much. The 33-year-old noted that the skipper commands respect on the pitch. Moreover, he also lauded how Stokes has been articulate in his ideas which provides ample clarity to every player on the side.

"He's pretty good, like! The way he speaks, I have known Ben for a long time, since we were probably 15/16 at Durham together. He has grown up so much. The way he speaks now, I didn't think he had them words in him. He is so articulate, the kid Ben Stokes I didn't think he had that in him. He commands respect on the field, he leads by example, he is right up there," Wood told talkSPORT.

Furthermore, Mark Wood spoke about several incidents in the series that have heated it up a little. He also reckoned that franchise cricket has helped people get to know one another, thus he believes there is respect between England and Australia.

"There have been some incidents in the series that has spiced it up a bit. Australia, you always want to beat your rivals. The franchise cricket has sort of allowed people to get to know each other so I think that there is that respect, 100 per cent. I respect Australia massively, they are a fantastic team with fantastic players but when you are out there, you are desperate to win for England," he added.

There are no slip-ups allowed, we will be doing everything we can to beat them: Wood

Besides, the gun England pacer also talked about the remaining games in the ongoing Ashes 2023 against Australia. Reflecting on how things have panned out for the home side so far, Mark Wood believes that the final two matches in the ongoing five-game series are must-wins, with no room for failure.

"These are must-win games now. There are no slip-ups allowed. So we will be doing everything we can to try and beat them. Just as they will try do with us," Wood concluded.

Notably, after losing the first two Tests of the ongoing Ashes series, England bounced back in the third Test at Headingley, winning by three wickets. Mark Wood and Chris Woakes helped England to finish the game in style during a 251-run chase in the fourth innings.