The Bazball Effect: Why Ben Stokes Took The Right Decision By Electing To Bowl Vs India

Why Stokes elected to bowl at toss [Source: @englandcricket/x.com]

On the morning of the first Test at Headingley, Leeds, England skipper, Ben Stokes won the toss and had no hesitation in electing to bowl first as the English side wanted to test the new-looked Indian batting lineup. However, judging by the first 10 overs, the pitch hardly had any demons as both KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal look at ease.

The duo left the ball and played every shot at its merit as the England bowlers got frustrated. The opening pair negated the new ball safely as the English fans criticized Stokes for taking the wrong call at the toss. Many felt that the England captain didn't read the wicket properly and took the wrong call.

What England fans said about Stokes on social media

Many fans are going after Stokes for making the wrong call as they feel the sun is out and England batters could have utilized the conditions to their advantage. Also, they feel chasing in 4th innings will become difficult and India already have the advantage.

Why Stokes' decision was not bad at all

Under Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum, the England side have a self-belief to achieve everything and everything. They feel nothing is impossible as the team has transformed their cricket and has adopted an aggressive playing style. 

Under this, England have always backed their strengths and their biggest plus is chasing in 4th innings. In the last 3 years, the Stokes-led team has chased some big totals and their highest successful run-chase came against India in 2022.

England's highest successful run-chase in Tests under Stokes

As the table suggests, England under their new era have been aggressive and have chased some mammoth totals in Tests. In the ongoing Test, Stokes is once again backing their strengths and wants to chase down the total against India as he feels the wicket won't change much.

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