The freedom which Stokes and Test coach Brendon McCullum have granted their players is no surprise. Since the duo joined forces in May 2022, phrases like 'fear of failure' and 'pressure to perform' have been cast aside.
It is a culture change that has helped England go from winning one in 17 Test matches prior to the pair teaming up, to 11 victories in their past 15 red-ball games, playing a brand of cricket that may yet redefine the game.
The Test side's run rate in 2022 was the highest the format of the game had seen for 112 years. Millions of fans have been captivated by the style of play on show at Edgbaston and Lord's.
