"England Started With Plan A And...": Kevin Pietersen Praises Ben Stokes' Captaincy In Ashes Opener

18.06.2023 - 09:25 sports.ndtv.com

Former England skipper Kevin Pietersen has heaped praises on the captaincy of Ben Stokes. England are playing against Australia in the first game of Ashes 2023 at Edgbaston, Birmingham.

On the opening day, the side declared its innings for 393 for 8 after Stokes won the toss and opted to bat first. The bold declaration from the host skipper was followed by some tight bowling from England that eventually helped them take advantage on the second day of the first Test.

Some good field placement from Stokes helped England muzzle Australia opener David Warner and it impressed Pietersen. Australia were 78 for 3 at Lunch on Day 2 with Stuart Broad claiming the wickets of Warner and Marnus Labuschagne on consecutive deliveries.

Later in the first session on Saturday, Ben Stokes removed Steve Smith to put England on top. "Very good leadership and you are almost pointing a finger at Australians saying 'this is how it should be done'," said Pietersen praising Stokes at Lunch on Day 2. "Ben Stokes has not allowed David Warner to play backfoot punches. (Warner) wasn't allowed to do that last night, wasn't allowed to do that this morning. (Stuart) Broad was expectional and so patient.

Ben Stokes England Cricket Team David Warner Steve Smith Kevin Pietersen Australia Birmingham

Australia great Ricky Ponting has likened Ben Stokes' match-winning abilities to Mahendra Singh Dhoni's on-field demeanour, saying the England skipper is far ahead of his contemporaries in pressure situations just like the Indian legend used to be. Stokes almost single-handedly carried England to a series-levelling win, scoring 155 off 214 balls in the second Ashes Test at Lord's. It wasn't the first time he had terrorised Australia. In the 2019 Ashes, he smashed an unbeaten 135 to help the hosts register a remarkable one-wicket win at Leeds.

"He Is A freak...": Australia Star Praises England Skipper Ben Stokes

Following his side's 43-run win over England in the second Ashes Test on Sunday, star Australian batter Steve Smith called Ben Stokes' innings "an unbelievable player who has done some incredible things." Ben Stokes' incredible knock of 155 runs couldn't secure the win for his side as Australian bowlers bounced and won the 2nd Ashes Test by 43 runs at the Lord's Cricket Ground on Sunday.

"Lost One Of My Mates...": Nathan Lyon Blasts Kevin Pietersen Over 'Concussion Comment'

One of the greatest batters of his generation, former England captain Kevin Pietersen has been a big talking point for some of the comments he has made during the Ashes 2023 as a pundit. From criticising the England team's approach during certain phases of the game, to receiving sharp retorts from Australian great Ricky Ponting over certain comments, Pietersen hasn't often found himself making the headlines. Now, the England great probably crossed a line in suggesting that the injured Nathan Lyon only came out to bat on Day 4 of the second Ashes Test to get 'concussed'.

"Reckless...": Ex-England Captain Minces No Words In Describing Ben Stokes And Co.'s Ashes Display

Former England captain Michael Atherton thinks that England's 'bazball' brand of cricket is not about all-out aggression but a calculated one and added that it has felt that England are not in control of what they are doing. "If you go back to last summer, England's approach is one of calculated aggression. Here, it seems to be all-out aggression, no matter what," Atherton told Sky Sports.

"Cannot Mix Entertainment With Stupidity": Ex-England Star Blasts Ben Stokes And Co

Former England captain Michael Vaughan lashed out at the Ben Stokes-led side for its poor batting performance against Australia in the second Ashes Test at Lord's in London. Pat Cummins-led Australia made a really good comeback on the third day of the game with England too helping their cause. The Three Lions resumed their first innings at 278 for 4 on Friday with the captain himself unbeaten on 17 and Harry Brook batting on 45 not out. However, they failed to capitalise, thanks to their poor intent and shot selection.

England vs Australia, 2nd Ashes Test, Day 3 Live Score: Harry Brook, Ben Stokes Key As 4-Down England vs Australia

ENG vs AUS, 2nd Ashes Test, Day 3 Live: England aim to close in on Australia's first innings total when they resume play on Day 3 at 278/4 at Lord's. At stumps, England trailed Australia by 138 runs with Harry Brook and Ben Stokes batting unbeaten on 45 and 17, respectively. On Day 2, Ben Duckett fell agonisingly close of scoring his third Test century after he was dismissed on 98 by Josh Hazlewood. Earlier, Steve Smith scored his 32nd century to power Australia to 416. Smith hit 110 while Travis Head continued his red hot form with a quickfire 77. (Live Scorecard)