• Home
  • Who Said What
  • Ashes 2023 I Would Have Wanted More Runs Michael Vaughan On Englands Declaration On Day 1

Ashes 2023 | 'I Would Have Wanted More Runs' - Michael Vaughan on England’s Declaration on Day 1 

Shivani Shukla

image-lizislyqBen Stokes declared the England innings at 393 [AP Photos]

Former England captain, Michael Vaughan, lauded Ben Stokes for his bold approach, highlighting that England is making a statement with their Day 1 declaration in the ongoing first Test of the Ashes series at Edgbaston.

In a move that caught many off guard, Ben Stokes made a surprising declaration at 393/8 against Australia on day one of the ongoing Test. However, Vaughan conceded that he wouldn't have done the same, underscoring the unpredictability of the game.  

The former cricketer expressed the desire for more runs, especially with Joe Root on the field. Notably, Root remained unbeaten for 118 runs from 152 balls. The former English captain was looking in a great touch before Stokes declared the inning. 

Here’s what Vaughan said on the BBC: 

"I wouldn't have declared. You just don't know what is going to happen. England are trying to send a message no team has ever done before.” 

“But I applaud Ben Stokes. You think the last England Ashes, I think this is the first time in my lifetime that England have sent the first punch. I, as a captain, would've wanted a few more runs, especially with Joe Root out there. Even though England didn't get the wicket, it creates what the Ashes it's all about. Warner and Khawaja, two experienced pros, were running like kids." 

England's highly hyped and daring 'Bazball' approach was on full display yet again, as Zak Crawley, Harry Brook, Ollie Pope, and Jonny Bairstow showcased their ability to score swiftly, with Joe Root's century serving as the cherry on top. 

Bairstow, who made a comeback after a few months' hiatus, which also saw him missing the IPL 2023 to prepare for the Ashes, played a fantastic innings, scoring 78 runs off an equal number of balls, which included an impressive 12 boundaries. 

Leading the Australian bowling attack, Nathan Lyon shone with four wickets to his name. At the close of play on day one, Australia ended at 14 runs without any loss, with both Usman Khawaja and David Warner showing promising form.