Ben Stokes' bold declaration on Day 1 of first Ashes Test 'no surprise' to Bairstow

England captain Ben Stokes' bold declaration on the opening day of the first Ashes Test may have shocked cricket traditionalists, but it was "no surprise" to teammate Jonny Bairstow.

England were 393-8 at Edgbaston, with Joe Root unbeaten on 118 and in superb touch after leading a revival from a mid-innings slump when Stokes called a halt.

With 20 minutes left in the day, Stokes was prepared to lose the promise of extra runs in the hope of snaring an Australia wicket in the four overs remaining before Friday's close.

READ: Ton-up Root revives England attack before Stokes declares on opening day

There was no breakthrough, however, with Australia 14-0 at stumps after David Warner survived his latest encounter with Stuart Broad, who dismissed the left-hander seven times during the drawn 2019 Ashes series in England.

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.

'Big dance'

Bairstow allowed 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