New Delhi
Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has identified Ben Stokes’ unexpected declaration on the opening day of the First Test at Edgbaston as a big mistake that England will lament following their failure to reclaim the Ashes at Old Trafford. With a 2-1 lead, Australia will enter the final Test commencing on Thursday. Although the Ashes trophy has already been secured, they still have an opportunity to achieve their first series victory in England in 22 years. England declared their first innings at 393/8 after just 78 overs, making it the earliest first-innings declaration in Ashes history.
I think they will regret the fact that they declared. I think they’ll regret how hard they went with the bat in the second innings. A 280-run lead having been bowled out in the second innings, I think if you had’ve asked straight after losing the toss, you’re going to be happy chasing 280. I would’ve taken that, Ponting told Sky Sports. Stokes’ decision shocked many in the cricket world, including former England skipper Kevin Pietersen. Pietersen voiced his concern about the early declaration, stressing that England should have targeted a total in the range of 400-450 runs. The pressure’s on England. What England have done, unfortunately, is put unnecessary pressure on themselves by declaring too early in the first Test. That is craziness because of the pressure that they’re now under going into the second match, he added. Ponting, while discussing the second Test at Lord’s, pointed out England’s inflexibility in adhering to coach Brendon McCullum’s aggressive and daring ‘Bazball’ approach.
