"New Era Of Cricket": Mahesh Babu's Interesting Post On England's Declaration In Ashes Opener

17.06.2023 - 09:27 sports.ndtv.com

Famous Indian actor Mahesh Babu was mighty impressed with the way the England cricket team kicked off the Ashes 2023 against Australia.

Joe Root ended his Ashes century-drought as his side made 393 for 8 before skipper Ben Stokes' bold declaration on the opening day of the first Test at Edgbaston on Friday.

England were in danger of squandering the advantage of winning the toss on a good pitch as they fell to 176-5 after losing two wickets in quick succession.

But former England captain Root was 118 not out -- the 32-year-old's first Ashes hundred in eight years and 17 Tests -- when Stokes called a halt to give his side 20 minutes in the field against Australia before stumps.

Ben Stokes England Cricket Team on David Warner Joe Root Stuart Broad Jonny Bairstow Australia India

Legendary pacer Glenn McGrath has slammed England for playing casual cricket against Australia in the ongoing Ashes, sarcastically terming it as "CazBall" instead of "Bazball", the aggressive version of game associated with the Brendon McCullum coached side in recent times. England are down 0-2 after losing the first two Tests at the Edgbaston and the Lord's. The 53-year-old said he was initially in "two minds" over the dismissal of Jonny Bairstow, which has divided the cricketing world with many, including skipper Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum, calling it contrary to the 'spirit of the game'.

ENG vs AUS: Australia Win 2nd Test Against England, Lead Ashes 2-0

Australia took a stranglehold on the Ashes series after beating England by 43 runs in a fiery and controversial second Test in Lord's on Sunday to take a 2-0 lead in the five-match series. England captain Ben Stokes hit a stunning 155 after Jonny Bairstow was controversially given out stumped after straying out of his ground on the last day. But England were bowled out for 327 chasing a stiff target of 371. Australia captain Pat Cummins led the attack with 3-69.

Usman Khawaja Adds To England's Ashes Agony After Mitchell Starc Strikes In 2nd Test

Australia's Usman Khawaja dug in to put Australia in control against England after the hosts' batting collapse in the second Ashes Test at Lord's on Friday. Ashes-holders Australia were strongly placed at 130-2 in their second innings, a lead of 221 runs, when rain forced an early close to the third day's play. Conditions for batting, with the floodlights switched on to counter the gloomy skies in London, were challenging.

Khawaja adds to England's Ashes agony after Starc strikes in 2nd Test

Australia's Usman Khawaja dug in to put Australia in control against England after the hosts' batting collapse in the second Ashes Test at Lord's on Friday.

Slow and steady trumps 'Bazball': 3 things we learned from thrilling Ashes opener

Australia's dramatic two-wicket win in the first Test at Edgbaston on Tuesday ensured a hugely-anticipated Ashes series got off to a thrilling start as skipper Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon's unbroken stand of 55 turned the tables on England.

WATCH | Stokes 'devastated' by defeat in Ashes opener, but has no regrets over 'Bazball'

Ben Stokes said he felt "devastated" by England's dramatic two-wicket defeat in the first Ashes Test at Edgbaston but insisted his aggressive approach could yet secure a series win over Australia.