Ben Stokes expresses no regrets about declaring the first innings early, despite Australia’s loss in the first Test of the Ashes series, and affirms his willingness to make the same decision in the future.
Media reports indicate that the English captain, following the near victory in the first Ashes Test, stated after the defeat that no batsman would desire to bat in the final 20 minutes of the day, when Joe Root and James Anderson were dismissed.
Viewing it as an opportunity to exert pressure on the Australian batsmen during those crucial 20 minutes, Stokes emphasized their intent to continue employing this strategy in future matches.
During the first innings of the opening day in the ongoing Ashes series between Australia and England, the English team scored 393 runs with 8 dismissals. Joe Root remained unbeaten at the crease with a score of 118 runs. Surprisingly, Ben Stokes declared the innings at that point.
Despite the declaration, the Australian openers, Usman Khawaja and David Warner, managed to hold their ground until the end of the day’s play.
It is worth mentioning that Australia emerged victorious in the thrilling first Test match of the Ashes series, defeating England by two wickets. Usman Khawaja played an outstanding innings, scoring a century in the first innings and a half-century in the second innings.
Leave a Comment