Cricket

‘Alag hi sochta hai yeh banda’ - Fans laud Ben Stokes’ captaincy as England take 7-run lead over Australia on Day 3 of 1st Ashes Test

Here is how fans have lauded the captaincy of Ben Stokes as England managed a 7-run lead over Australia in 1st Ashes Test

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Ben Stokes, Ashes 2023, 1st Test

Ben Stokes, Ashes 2023, 1st Test (Image Source: Twitter)

Ben Stokes surprised everyone when he declared England’s first innings on day one of the ongoing first Ashes Test after scoring 393 runs for eight wickets. The pitch looked a flat one and hence, many former cricketers and fans were stunned to see that declaration. Then, Australia batted and finished that day with 14 runs on board in four overs.

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After that day, while speaking on Sky Sports, Kevin Pietersen said: “I don’t think that’s the nature of his captaincy (in and out fields from Stokes). It’s difficult to answer because we did not see much in it this evening. And I did that Test match last year against India with you guys, it was a wicket that did get better for batting, and I think that tomorrow (Saturday) could be the most beautiful day. That’s why I am… I didn’t like the declaration.” 

England had a seven-run lead going into batting in the second innings

“We’ll find out if it’s the right thing to have done. I just always got told to get to 400-450 in the first innings of a Test match. They’ve almost got it, I know, but it’s psychological. Maybe, being too critical. I don’t know. We’ll see,” he added. However, England’s bowlers struggled on day two as the Aussies finished the day strongly with 311 runs on the board for five wickets in 94 overs. So, fans were having doubts and raising questions about the decision of early declaration by Stokes.

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Then, on day three, the Aussies were trailing by 82 runs with five wickets in hand. But, England bowlers came up with some brilliant performances along with some excellent tactical moves by the skipper, Stokes. They got bundled out for 386 runs in the first session only and the home team managed a seven-run lead. Seeing such a comeback, fans went crazy and lauded Stokes on social media. Stokes came up with some innovative field setups like keeping close-in fielders to put up pressure on batters while playing shots. However, it reward him and his proactive captaincy helped England to make a comeback in the game.    

Here is how fans have reacted:  

Ashes 2023 Cricket News featured Ben Stokes Twitter Reactions England Australia