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‘Sirf excitement ke lie khelna hai tujhe?’ - Fans react as Ben Stokes defends his bold declaration decision on Day 1 after losing 1st Test of Ashes 2023

Here is how fans have reacted as Ben Stokes defends his first innings declaration on day one after losing the first Test in Ashes 2023

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Ben Stokes, 1st Test, Ashes 2023

Ben Stokes, 1st Test, Ashes 2023 (Image Source: Twitter)

England suffered a two-wicket loss at Edgbaston in the first Test of the ongoing Ashes series on 20 June 2023. After thrilling actions in all five days, the Aussies finally managed to come out victorious. But, on day one, when Ben Stokes decided to declare England’s first innings, fans were left surprised.

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They declared after scoring 393 runs for eight wickets in 78 overs. Even, Joe Root was batting on 118* runs. So, after the loss, many fans pointed out that bold and aggressive decision as the main cause. But, the England skipper came out and defended his decision during the post-match press conference.

“The reality is, we just didn't manage to get over the line this week." - Ben Stokes

Stokes said: "I'm a captain who saw it as an opportunity to pounce on Australia. I don't think any batter likes to go out 20 minutes before the close of play. The way in which we played, and took Australia on, actually allowed us to be able to do that. I could also turn around and say, 'If we didn't declare, would we have got that excitement like we did at the end of day five?'. I'm not 100 per cent sure but I'm not going to be looking back at this game as 'what ifs'. The reality is, we just didn't manage to get over the line this week."

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Before that during the post-match presentation ceremony, he said: “That was an opportunity to pounce on Australia, no batsman likes to go out for 20 mins at the end of the day, and I sensed an opportunity to take two wickets.” However, reporters also asked the Aussie skipper, Pat Cummins what he would have done in a similar situation. In reply, he said: "Probably not. I'm not overly surprised (that Stokes did) but the wicket felt pretty good so I thought every run was pretty much needed in that first innings." Listening to such statements, fans shared their views on social media.

Here is how fans have reacted:

 

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