London: In a moment that left many scratching their heads, England skipper Ben Stokes made a bold move by choosing to bat first after winning the toss in the 3rd Test match against India. On a pitch expected to favor bowlers from Day 1, the decision raised eyebrows across both camps — including India’s young star Shubman Gill.
Speaking to the media after the first session, Gill admitted that England’s decision caught him off guard. “I was confused what to do till this morning. I would have bowled first. If there’s anything in the wicket, it’s going to be on the first few days. I think the contribution from everyone was great; that was what we were aiming for from all of us. The bowlers are feeling confident, it wasn’t easy to take all those wickets on that pitch (at Edgbaston). I feel good when the hard work pays, it’s very satisfying,” Gill said, as quoted by NDTV.
A Bold Call On A Turning Track
Cricket experts had predicted a bowler-friendly surface at the start of the match, with visible cracks and dryness indicating an early turn for spinners. Historically, teams have preferred to bowl first on such tracks to make the most of morning moisture and early help. However, England seemed to be playing against convention.
Stokes, when asked about his decision, simply said,
“We Want To Put Runs On The Board And Back Our Batting Depth.”
Day 1 Highlights
Joe Root finished on 99 off 191 balls and Ben Stokes on 39 off 102 as England ended an attritional Day 1 at Lord’s. At the end of the day, England stood with a score of 251/4 on board in 83 overs. India took the second new ball and Akash Deep bowled two overs with it. Bumrah bowled one. Stokes and Root’s stand ensured that England did not lose their way after Ravindra Jadeja and Bumrah struck early in the third session. Jadeja ended Ollie Pope’s stay. The credit for this wicket also goes to a sharp catch from substitute wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel. Bumrah then sent back Harry Brook for 11 runs. Pope had added 70 runs with Root after Lunch. The duo stitched a 109-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett had started steadily before Nitish Kumar Reddy removed both of them in a span of four deliveries in the 14th over.
Tactical Gamble Or Masterstroke?
Whether this unexpected decision will backfire or become a tactical masterstroke remains to be seen. The toss may have been won by England, but the mental edge — at least momentarily — seemed to have tilted toward India. As the 3rd Test unfolds, all eyes will remain on how this bold move from Ben Stokes plays out — and whether Shubman Gill’s confusion turns into celebration.
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