The Ashes 2025: Why does Ben Stokes wear phoenix symbols during the series?

England captain Ben Stokes will wear a pair of bespoke shoes during the 2025-26 Ashes series in Australia as a tribute to his late father, Ged.

Stokes has had a pair of custom-made shoes created displaying two symbols that are a nod to his dad, as part of a brand partnership with Adidas and fine artist Jordan Dawson.

The first is a phoenix motif, which is prominent in the design. Stokes already has a tattoo of the mythological bird on his arm.

The bird is known for its ability to rise from the ashes – a key design element for Dawson in making the shoe.

Stokes’ 2022 Amazon Prime documentary was also titled ‘Ben Stokes: Phoenix from the Ashes’.

“I’ve got a phoenix as a big part of the tattoo on my right arm, so it was something I was keen to include in the design,” said Stokes.

“I’ve had a long career in sport and the phoenix has come to signify my belief that whenever you’re down, you can rise again.”

The shoes also contain an illustration of the hand gesture Stokes does when celebrating, which is another tribute to his late father, who died from brain cancer in December 2020.

Ged Stokes, a former New Zealand rugby league international, had a finger amputated during his career.

“I think everyone knows the story of my Dad injuring his finger playing rugby and having it removed but since he passed away, the hand gesture is a celebration I’ve done in memory of him,” added Stokes.

“It’s been a rewarding process working with Adidas and Jordan to bring it all together and hopefully it can give me some extra inspiration on the pitch too.”

This article is the latest from BBC Sport’s Ask Me Anything team.