England Test captain Ben Stokes stunned everyone at Lord’s by choosing to bat first after winning the toss—a rare move under his leadership since Brendon McCullum took over as head coach in 2022. Known for preferring to bowl first, Stokes’ decision marked a shift in strategy following England’s heavy defeat to India at Edgbaston.
As soon as Stokes announced his decision to bat, the Lord’s crowd erupted with loud cheers. But one of the most surprised by the call was former India head coach Ravi Shastri, who admitted he was caught completely off guard at the toss.
‘What? Did I Hear Correctly?’ – Ravi Shastri on Stokes’ Decision
“He took me aback. I said, ‘What have you decided?’ We’llbat. There was a pause. I said, ‘What? Did I hear correctly?’ I then had to move on. Against the grain, England like to chase normally,” said Shastri on Sky Sports Cricket.
However, he later supported the move, citing strategic reasons. “But I think it’s the weather. It’s the wear and tear. He knows how much of the rough can come into play and the Indian spinners, the problems they posed in the last test at Edgbaston. So I think the right decision by England, especially after what happened in Birmingham, to bat first,” he added.
India have now lost all three tosses in the series. On each occasion, skipper Shubman Gill said he would have bowled first. “At all three occasions, Shubman Gill wanted to field. After the first two tosses, I told him, good toss to lose. But this time, I think Ben made the right decision,” Shastri noted.
The Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy is currently level at 1-1, setting up a crucial third Test. At stumps on Day 1, England were 251/4, with Joe Root unbeaten on 99.
For latest sports updates: Follow RevSportz