Former England captain Michael Vaughan slams Ben Stokes over his bold decision to declare the game on Day 1 of the first Ashes Test against Australia at Edgbaston on Friday.
Michael Vaughan Slams Ben Stokes
With Joe Root’s unbeaten 118 runs, England scored 393 runs for 8 wickets loss on the first day. While Root is in great touch, Stokes declare the inning and decides to test his bowlers. Australia’s David Warner and Usman Khawaja managed to take Australia to 14/0 at the stumps.
However, Michael Vaughan was not impressed with the England skipper’s decision of declaring the game at an early stage.
“I wouldn’t have declared. You just don’t know what is going to happen. England are trying to send a message no team has ever done before. I, as a captain, would’ve wanted a few more runs, especially with Joe Root out there.
Even though England didn’t get the wicket, it creates what the Ashes is all about – Warner and Khawaja, two experienced pros, were running like kids,” Vaughan said on BBC Test Match Special.
Jonny Bairstow was NOT Surprised
Stokes’ bold declaration on the opening day of the first Ashes Test may have come as a shock to cricket traditionalists, but it was “no surprise” to team-mate Jonny Bairstow.
“I’m sure there’s many decisions Ben has made that have taken commentators and other people by surprise, but it was no surprise to us,” said Bairstow.
Bairstow playing at 7 scored 78 runs and boosts the team’s score to 393 in the first inning.
“I’m delighted to be back out there on the big stage, during the big dance. It’s something you want to be part of and it didn’t disappoint,” he added.
Before the Day 2 lunch, Australia scored 78 runs for 3 wickets loss where Usman Khawaja and Travis Head were batting at 40 and 8 runs respectively. England’s Broad dismissed Warner(9) and Marnus Labuschagne(0) while Stokes dismissed inform dangerous Steven Smith for 16 runs.
Back bowling for England.
Back taking a MASSIVE wicket.The captain strikes! 🔥 #EnglandCricket | #Ashes pic.twitter.com/Lk22fWp6bM
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 17, 2023
