As England prepares for the final Ashes Test in Sydney, captain Ben Stokes is sending a powerful message of collective resilience to his team. Despite losing the series, Stokes is determined to maintain a team-first mentality in the crucial final encounter.

The 34-year-old leader has been clear about his expectations, stating, "There shouldn't be any reason for anyone to get individual or insular about what they want to do this week." Stokes wants his players to prioritize team needs over personal performances, a philosophy he has worked hard to instill throughout the tour.

England has named a 12-man squad for the Test, with seamer Matthew Potts likely to make his Ashes debut replacing the injured Gus Atkinson. The selection between spinners Shoaib Bashir and Will Jacks remains undecided, with the Sydney Cricket Ground's pitch conditions playing a significant role in the decision.

The team's approach to this final Test is nuanced, with Stokes acknowledging the complexity of pitch selection. "We try to act like we know what we're doing when we look down at the pitch, rubbing it and knocking it. No-one really has a clue," he candidly admitted, highlighting the unpredictability of Test cricket.

Despite the series loss, England secured a morale-boosting victory in Melbourne, ending a 15-year drought of wins in Australia. Stokes, along with head coach Brendon McCullum and director of cricket Rob Key, remain committed to their roles and view this final Test as an opportunity for reflection and growth.

The match represents more than just a concluding game—it's a chance for the team to demonstrate resilience and character. As Stokes noted, "We've got a big Test to play here," signaling his determination to end the series on a positive note, regardless of the overall result.

With their next Test not scheduled until June against New Zealand, this Sydney match offers a crucial moment for the English team to showcase their potential and set the tone for future competitions.