For years, Australia lived by a simple Test-cricket survival rule — never provoke Virat Kohli. The approach wasn’t superstition but lived experience: rile him up, and he’d destroy you. As the 2025 Ashes begins in Perth, the same psychological playbook is being quietly re-opened — this time for England captain Ben Stokes.

Speaking to reporters at the Optus Stadium, acting skipper Steve Smith made the strategy public — Australia must not fuel Stokes’ competitive fire.

“He’s done a terrific job with England over the past couple of years,” Smith said. “Potentially someone you don’t want to get too riled up. Hopefully, we can keep him quiet.”

It’s a statement born out of history. Stokes has repeatedly tilted Ashes matches through sheer stubbornness, emotional intensity and counter-attacking audacity. Australia knows the consequences of waking him up — because they’ve lived it.

Warner’s warning — learned the hard way

Former opener David Warner, who has battled Stokes across multiple Ashes cycles, supports the caution.

“If we can sort of not poke that bear, I think that will help the Australians enormously.”

The reference isn’t theoretical — it traces back to Headingley 2019, one of the most dramatic Ashes innings ever played. The eve of Stokes’ iconic 135* included a rumoured off-field remark from Warner regarding Stokes’ Bristol trial. Stokes later described in his book On Fire how the comment sharpened his motivation.

The result? England chased 359 after being bowled out for 67 earlier in the match — surviving at 268/9 with Jack Leach — creating what fans now call “The Miracle of Headingley.”

England knows it too — and embraces it

Interestingly, even Stokes’ own teammates encourage opponents to tempt fate.

Opener Ben Duckett, appearing on The Grade Cricketer podcast, said:

“I want the Aussies to keep poking Stokesy… it works well in Ashes series when they fire him up.”

The comment reflects a broader truth: Stokes thrives on confrontation, chaos, and high-pressure narratives. England’s “Bazball” identity is built on emotional momentum — and Stokes is its psychological engine.

Mind games begin before the first ball

The Perth pitch promises pace and bounce, meaning tempers could flare early. But Australia is determined to maintain silence, composure, and restraint — not just in sledging, but in field settings, body language and post-dismissal reactions.

Whether the plan works will depend on execution. But one thing remains constant — when Stokes senses disrespect, he becomes one of cricket’s most dangerous match-winners.

And Australia cannot afford another Headingley.

As the Ashes opener arrives, the mental battle may prove as influential as the tactical one.