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England stuck to their guns

GEORGE DOBELL AT TRENT BRIDGE: This is Ben Stokes' template. This is what can be done. This is a team that can inspire a nation and make it proud. He, Brendon McCullum and Rob Key, who had the courage to appoint them, deserve a great deal of credit

George Dobell | 14/06/2022 at 20:43

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Posted by Marc Evans on 15/06/2022 at 18:33

I wouldn't want to see us adopt this approach as policy, but given the conditions, the pitch, the match situation and the players available I applaud Stokes and McCullum. There's been a lot of attempts to bat white ball style in tests recently, but very few succeed as pitches or more worn generally on day 5 and close fielders abound. Also the red ball does more in the air and off the seam than the white, so the odds are stacked against the side batting last chasing a decent total. The history of the game shows this. Big thumbs up to Notts as well for preparing such a good cricket wicket, it must be remembered 35 wkts fell to make those runs and also for making the last day a freebie, so promoting such a great atmosphere. ECB take note!