Ashish Ranjan
Michael Vaughan and Kevin Pietersen, former England captains, criticized Ben Stokes for declaring on Day 1 of the opening Ashes 2023 Test at Edgbaston in Birmingham on Friday, June 16. England adhered to its ‘Bazball’ strategy, with Stokes declaring at 393/8 while Joe Root was batting on a hundred. Root’s unbroken 118 off 152 deliveries was his 30th century in the longest format.
Vaughan stated that he would not have declared if he were the captain, particularly with Root on the field. England are endeavoring to send a message that no other team has ever attempted, according to the 48-year-old. Moreover, he asserted that David Warner and Usman Khawaja, two experienced batters, were sprinting like children if England did not get the wicket, which is the essence of The Ashes.
“I would not have announced. You simply do not know what will occur. England are attempting to send a message that no other team has ever attempted. As captain, I would have desired a few more runs, particularly with Joe Root on the field. Even though England did not get the wicket, this is what the Ashes is all about: Warner and Khawaja, two experienced professionals, were sprinting like children, as Vaughan stated on BBC Test Match Special.
Pietersen, too, was critical of Stokes’ decision, alleging that it is not in keeping with his off-field leadership. The 42-year-old believes that the second day could be the most gorgeous. Adding that he was typically told 400 or 450 in the first inning, he conceded that he may be unduly critical.
“I do not believe that is the character of Stokes’ captaincy (in and out of the field). It is challenging to respond because we did not see much of it this evening. And I played with you guys in that Test match against India last year, when the wicket improved for batting, and I believe that tomorrow (Saturday) will be the most gorgeous day. Therefore, I am… I did not appreciate the statement,” Pietersen told Sky Sports.
“We will determine if it was the correct thing to do. In the first innings of a Test match, I was always told to score 400…or 400-450. It involves psychology. “Perhaps I am being too critical; we shall see,” he said.
Hussain and Bairstow describe Stokes’ decision as a “brave move.”
Former England captain Nasser Hussain and wicketkeeper-batsman Jonny Bairstow supported Stokes’ declaration on Day 1. “England desired a shot at Warner at the conclusion of the day’s play. “Stokes made a reasonable decision,” Hussain said.
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Bairstow, on the other hand, referred to the captain’s choice as a “bold call.” There will be discussions, according to the 33-year-old, but no one wants to go out there with 20 minutes and four overs when Stuart Broad and Ollie Robinson are racing in at the end of the day. The wicketkeeper-batsman smashed a magnificent fifty, scoring 78 off 78 deliveries with 12 fours in the first innings on Day 1 while ably partnering with Joe Root.
“It was a courageous and wise decision. There will be conversations about it, but no one relishes going out there with 20 minutes and four overs when Stuart Broad and Ollie Robinson are running in at the end of a long day,” Bairstow told Sky Sports at the end of the day.
