Michael Vaughan sends seven-word message to Ben Stokes ahead of India series

Former England cricket captain Michael Vaughan has told Ben Stokes to "do the right thing" and not look past India to focus on Australia and the Ashes. In November, Bazball will be heading Down Under in an attempt to reclaim the Ashes urn on Australian soil for the first time since 2011.

However, before they can concentrate on defeating the Aussies, they must face India in this weekend's five-test series. Stokes, 34, boasts an impressive record of 20 wins in 33 matches as captain since teaming up with head coach Brendon McCullum in 2022. This weekend also marks a new era for India as they travel to Headingley without recently-retired legends Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Despite India being at the start of a new phase, Vaughan cautioned Stokes not to underestimate them, especially with the Ashes looming in November.

Speaking at the launch of The Overlap and Betfair's Stick to Cricket show ahead of the series, Vaughan told the Mirror: "I think you have got to do the right thing against India."

Evaluating Stokes' prospects against India and in the Ashes, the former skipper added: "He's got the tools to win, but there's having the tools and then using them properly and just having that element of fortune every now and again. Getting your team to play to a level, getting the team to be smart at times, getting your team to win and that key moment.

"You need a little bit of fortune to do that as well. I do think if you do everything right and you prepare properly and you treat the game with respect, those elements and the rub of the green generally goes towards the team that deserves the win. I'm a big believer in that.

"I think you have got to do the right thing against India. They've got to win, play the right cricket, respect the game. When they get Down Under, they have to prepare properly."

Stokes' tenure as captain has certainly turned heads, but the upcoming series against India and this winter's Ashes could really make his mark. Vaughan is confident Stokes has what it takes to lead England to victory in both series, provided his tactics are just as canny as they are courageous.

The ex-skipper added: "To take Australia, you have to look them in the eyes and you have to take them on. But you have to cover the disciplines really well, the basics. If they do that and they catch well, they can read the situation nicely.

"You can't just play one style and one way. If you go over there playing one way, you'll get found out. They have a tool set and a box of talented players. Can they go there with a bowling attack and get 20 wickets? If they can, they'll have a chance. If they can't, they'll have no chance."

Betfair are set for a big summer and winter of cricket, launching a new show with The Overlap: Stick to Cricket. Don't miss the first episode next week, where the team will be reviewing the opening test of the series between England and India.