The sky’s the limit for England as Ben Stokes’ ‘Bazball’ team turns Test cricket upside down

07.07.2022 - 12:56 metro.co.uk

We are living in an age of wonders, at least with regard to the England men’s cricket team. Habitual losers just six weeks ago, they have now won four Tests in a row against vaunted opponents.

But if that wasn’t achievement enough they have done it by chasing large totals in the last innings of the match, breaking records and subverting convention in a blaze of belief and bold batting strokes.In their latest smash and grab they swept aside India at Edgbaston, chasing 378 runs for the loss of just three wickets with unbeaten centuries from Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow, two cricketers enjoying breathtaking form.

It was a remarkable performance but part of a sequence that had already seen them overhaul totals of 277, 299 and 296 against New Zealand.

Test cricket without limits.It helped that the pitch against India remained true and England’s opponents seemed conflicted over who was leading them (their old captain Virat Kohli or their stand-in Jasprit Bumrah).

cricket Sporting bowling Test as Chris Silverwood Joe Root Jonny Bairstow Rob Key Virat Kohli Brendon Maccullum New Zealand India

England managing director of cricket Rob Key has praised Ben Stokes for his "selfless" decision to ignore the "financial implications" of retiring from one-day internationals.

Ben Stokes made 'selfless' decision to retire from ODIs: Rob Key

Stokes will make his 105th and final ODI appearance at his Durham home ground against South Africa on Tuesday after taking his shock decision to quit the format 24 hours earlier. Key's first act after being appointed was to hire Stokes as England's Test captain, but he knows the relentless fixture demands on top international players make it hard to feature in all versions of the game. While the monetary terms of Stokes' central contract could come under review, Key feels England's Test and Twenty20 teams will stand to gain enormously from the all-rounder lightening his workload.

Why Did Ben Stokes Suddenly Retire From ODI Cricket? England Star Player Gives Update

In a surprise announcement on Monday, England all-rounder Ben Stokes announced his retirement from the ODIs. He added that he will be playing his last ODI for England on Tuesday against South Africa in Durham. The 31-year-old England Test captain's ODI career will forever be remembered for his Player-of-the-Match performance in the 2019 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup final against New Zealand at Lord's. Explaining his decision to retire, Stokes said that playing all three formats of the game is just unsustainable for him right now.

"Most Competitive Bloke": Virat Kohli's Tribute After Ben Stokes' ODI Retirement

Star England all-rounder Ben Stokes, who was the hero of England's 2019 World Cup final win, announced on Monday that he will be retiring from ODIs after the series opener against South Africa, which will be played at his home ground in Durham. Stokes released a statement on social media to announce his retirement from the 50-over format, stating that playing all three formats was "just unsustainable" for him. Star India batter Virat Kohli, who has often clashed against Stokes on the field, paid the all-rounder the ultimate tribute.