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"That Was The Thinking" England Coach Reveals Why Stokes Opted To Bowl In 1st Test

Aakash Saini

Ben Stokes on Day 1 [Source: @ishi_178/x]Ben Stokes on Day 1 [Source: @ishi_178/x]

Team India amassed 359-3 from 85 overs on the opening day of the first Test of the five-match series on June 20 at Headingley in Leeds. Young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal and newly-appointed captain Shubman Gill both plundered majestic centuries, before blistering wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant scored a fiery 65* towards the closing stages of the day.

Following India’s run-riot in Leeds, England captain Ben Stokes felt the heat from critics and cricket experts alike for electing to bowl first on a batting-friendly surface after winning the toss. However, former New Zealand paceman and England fast bowling coach Tim Southee has defended Stokes’ decision, claiming that the team management expected the pitch to favor bowlers in the opening session of play.

England Coach Applauds Jaiswal And Shubman Gill

England fast bowling consultant Tim Southee has said that they expected the Headingley pitch to play out in favor of the bowlers earlier on Day 1. While speaking with the reporters and as quoted by News18, the legendary New Zealand cricketer defended Ben Stokes by saying:

“With the colour of the wicket yesterday, and a little bit of moisture left in it, if there was any help, it was probably going to be this morning. That was the thinking behind the decision. You assess the surface and make the decision you believe will give you the best chance. You don’t always get it right.”

Tim Southee also credited Indian batters, especially opener KL Rahul for seeing off the new ball in the first hour of the day. He further praised Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal for their majestic centuries to take India to 359-3 by stumps. Southee added:

“But credit to the Indian openers. They managed the first hour well. KL Rahul left deliveries well, and Yashasvi Jaiswal played his part too. They played a couple of great innings. And Shubman Gill’s knock was especially impressive given the circumstances. They might not have played a lot of cricket recently, but they’re certainly talented.”

Team India will resume its first innings on Day 2 at 359-3 from 85 overs, with captain Shubman Gill and wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant occupying the crease.

While Gill is batting at 127* from 175 balls, Pant is currently unbeaten at 65* from 102 balls with six fours and two huge sixes.