Vaibhav Tripathi
Following their narrow two-wicket loss in the first Ashes Test, England Test captain Ben Stokes confidently asserted that his team would not retreat into a defensive mindset. Instead, they would actively pursue strategies to maintain momentum throughout the remaining four Tests of the Ashes 2023.
The opening match held at Edgbaston in Birmingham was a gripping contest that reached a thrilling conclusion, resulting in the home team’s two-wicket defeat. Australia has taken a 1-0 lead in the five-match series with this victory.
“A loss is a loss. We’ve said how we were going to operate. Losing hurts and winning is a great feeling. We’re going to keep making moves if we feel the time is right and if we end up on the wrong side of results like this, there won’t be much to complain about,” he said in the post-match presentation ceremony.
Stuart Broad and Ollie Robinson showcased exceptional bowling performances in the match, particularly during the fourth innings when Australia had approximately 30 runs remaining for victory with only two wickets remaining. The duo combined to pick up 11 wickets between them in the Test.
“The effort and energy from Robbo and Broady at the end was incredible. Broad is up there absolutely cooked. He’s put his body on the line, long may it continue,” Stokes added.