Ashes 2023: “Best form of attack”, Bairstow hails England’s adventurous first-day declaration

TIL Desk Sports/ Attacking batter Jonny Bairstow hailed an adventurous first-day declaration from England skipper Ben Stokes in the first Test of Ashes 2023 against Australia and believes that it could be the “best form of attack” heading into day two.

Stokes threw caution to wind on day one of the first Test with England opting for a first-evening declaration with the score on 393/8 in their first innings after scoring at a rate of more than five-an-over across the day.

After smashing his 30th century in Test cricket, Root was batting beautifully on 118 when the signal came from the balcony and would surely have kept the scoreboard ticking had he been left to his own devices.

However, Stokes swapped the promise of extra runs for four late overs in the hope of snapping up a late wicket. The decision meant a quick skirmish between long-time sparring partners Stuart Broad and David Warner, but England were unable to generate a breakthrough despite pushing hard.

“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,” Bairstow said.