England declared on Day 1 of the first Test when they were batting on 393 runs with Joe Root on the strike.
The first Ashes Test of 2023 ended with Australia’s famous victory over England. On day five, when England captain Ben Stokes won the game by just two wickets, he received so many questions that he decided to explain the innings later in the first day.
England batting 393/8 on the first day of the first test, and it’s also worth noting that top batter Joe Root was undefeated with 118 when the innings were announced. When Australia won the match, many pundits questioned Stokes’ decision, including former Australia Test captain Tim Payne.
The 38-year-old said there was a bit of ego in Stokes’ decision to declare the inning early. Payne said the innings were called early because Joe Root was set to strike.
“I think we’ll make it in time. It’s going to be very attractive. Brendon McCallum and Ben Stokes were so outspoken on the first day and who in the dressing room would challenge the decision?” Sometimes I wonder if there is,” Tim Payne told SEN Podcast Whatley.
“Will people stand up and say we’re having fun playing cricket?” That’s great, but the current best hitter in the world was not out on 120, but 5.50 per over. The match was not static and quickly moved in their favor. So I’m wondering how much of that is a bit of an ego runaway, but that’s how we play,” he added. However, the plan backfired, with both players Usman Khawaja and David Warner surviving the attack to bring the match to the second day.
England’s move certainly did not go as planned, as Pat Cummins’ racket-handling prowess put him in the lead on day five and gave Australia a spectacular win.
