Ben Stokes’ leadership as captain in the 2023 Ashes’ opening match left an impression on Kevin Pietersen.
Kevin Pietersen, a former captain of the English national team, has spoken highly of Ben Stokes’ leadership as captain. The first match of the Ashes 2023 series pits England against Australia at Edgbaston in Birmingham. Stokes won the toss and elected to bat first, therefore the team scored 393 runs in their first innings before declaring. After the host captain’s brave declaration, England’s tight bowling helped them take advantage on day two of the first Test.
Stokes’s fielding skills surprised Pietersen as they were important in England’s success in stifling Australia’s opening batsman David Warner.
At Lunch on Day 2, Australia was 78 for 3, having lost Warner and Marnus Labuschagne to successive deliveries from Stuart Broad. Ben Stokes got rid of Steve Smith later in Saturday’s first session, putting England on top.
At the second day’s lunch, Pietersen praised Stokes, stating, “Very good leadership and you are almost pointing a finger at Australians saying ‘this is how it should be done.'”
Ben Stokes has not given David Warner any room to throw backhands. (Warner) was not permitted to do so the night before, nor was he permitted to do so this morning. (Stuart) Broad had the most patient and optimistic attitude. And that was the end for Warner. That little bit more of a purposeful push to peek out from behind the curtain.
England’s initial strategy was to switch to plan B, which is readily available. Australia began implementing Plan B yesterday because going back to Plan A would be too tough.
Joe Root’s unbeaten 118 was a major contributor to England’s massive first-innings score.
