England’s ‘Bazball’ era has been known for their ‘surprising’ bold calls and on Friday the cricket traditionalists witnessed another one when Ben Stokes declared the innings on the opening day of the first Ashes Test.
England were 393/8 late in the final session at Edgbaston, with Joe Rootunbeaten on 118 as the team looked for quick runs.
But then Stokes decided to declare the innings, hoping to get an early Australian wickets with four overs (20 minutes) remaining in the day.
Although there was no breakthrough and Australia finished the day at 14 for no loss but Jonny Bairstow after stumps said that Stokes’ declaration decision was not a surprise to the team.
Stokes has been no stranger to declarations while overseeing a run of 11 wins in 13 Tests since linking up with coach Brendon McCullum last year.
“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 played his part in allowing Stokes to make that decision with a run-a-ball 78 in his first Test innings since a freak golf accident in August last year left him with multiple injuries, including three separate fractures in his left leg.
“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 said.
Bairstow also helped former England captain Root add 121 for the sixth wicket, with his longtime friend and Yorkshire colleague ending an eight-year wait for an Ashes hundred.
“It was brilliant,” said Bairstow. “There are some special traits that he’s got and he does special things.”
“As someone who has known him for a really long time, been through thick and thin, ups and downs and lots of different things together, it was an absolute pleasure to be out there with him.”
