'A lion leading lambs' - Stokes needs England team-mates to step up The Ashes defeat in Australia has been a humbling experience for the England cricket team, with captain Ben Stokes often left carrying the team on his shoulders. As the chief cricket reporter Stephan Shemilt pointed out, Stokes has at times looked like "a lion leading lambs", with his teammates struggling to match his performances. The 2021-22 Ashes series has been a dismal outing for England so far, with the team trailing 0-3 after the first three tests. Stokes, who was absent for the previous Ashes tour in 2017-18 due to an off-field incident, has been one of the few bright sparks for the visitors, putting in stellar performances with both bat and ball. However, the same cannot be said for the rest of the England squad, who have largely failed to step up and support their talismanic captain. Stokes' heroics in the first three tests have been a testament to his world-class abilities as an all-rounder. In the opening test in Brisbane, he scored a gritty 50 in the second innings, demonstrating his resilience and determination in the face of a formidable Australian bowling attack. He then followed that up with an impressive all-round display in the second test in Adelaide, scoring 66 runs in the first innings and taking two crucial wickets. Despite Stokes' individual brilliance, the rest of the England team have struggled to match his performances. The team's batting lineup, in particular, has been a major concern, with the likes of Rory Burns, Haseeb Hameed, and Ollie Pope failing to make significant contributions. The bowling unit, too, has lacked the consistency and potency required to challenge the Australian batters, with the experienced James Anderson and Stuart Broad struggling to make an impact. The lack of support for Stokes has been particularly evident in the field, where the team's fielding has been uncharacteristically sloppy. In the third test in Melbourne, several crucial chances were dropped, allowing the Australian batters to build substantial partnerships and ultimately take control of the match. This disparity in performance between Stokes and his teammates has raised questions about the leadership and team dynamics within the England setup. Stokes, who took over the captaincy from Joe Root following the team's disastrous Ashes tour, has been tasked with the unenviable job of turning the team's fortunes around. However, his efforts have been hampered by the inability of his teammates to step up and share the burden. The situation has also highlighted the broader challenges facing English cricket. The team's long-standing struggles in Australia, where they have not won an Ashes series since 2010-11, have been well documented. The current Ashes defeat has once again raised questions about the team's preparation, selection, and the wider domestic structure that produces international cricketers. As the series progresses, the pressure on Stokes and the rest of the England team will only intensify. The team's remaining two tests in Sydney and Hobart provide an opportunity for the players to salvage some pride and potentially avoid a humiliating 5-0 defeat. However, for that to happen, Stokes will need his teammates to step up and support him in a way they have not done so far. The task ahead is a daunting one, but Stokes' proven ability to inspire and lead his team cannot be overlooked. If the rest of the England squad can find their form and play to their full potential, there is still a chance for them to turn the tide and make the series more competitive. Ultimately, the success or failure of this Ashes tour will have significant implications for the future of English cricket, and the team's ability to learn from this experience will be crucial in shaping their path forward.