Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has strongly criticised England captain Ben Stokes after their 336-run loss in the second Test of the ongoing series versus India at Edgbaston.
Speaking on his Hindi YouTube show "Ash Ki Baat", Ashwin questioned Stokes' record as a batter and said England showed poor judgement by chasing 608 runs instead of trying to draw the match. He also explained in detail how Stokes got out and blamed England’s aggressive style for their collapse.
England were bowled out for just 271 in their second innings, losing the match by 336 runs. They were chasing a huge target of 608, but rain was expected and a draw was still possible.
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Ravichandran Ashwin Slams Ben Stokes’ Batting Approach, Calls England’s Edgbaston Chase "Absolute Hara-Kiri"
Ravichandran Ashwin questioned Ben Stokes’ batting credentials following England's defeat at Edgbaston.
"Ben Stokes is a fabulous player. I take my hat off to him. But we need to remember one thing. Barring that Headingley heroics in the Ashes, what has he achieved as a batter?" Ashwin said as quoted on his YouTube channel "Ash Ki Baat."
Ashwin took aim at England’s strategy under Stokes’ captaincy, which often promotes attacking cricket regardless of conditions or context.
"The readiness to play a Test match in the way a Test match needs to be played—that is the problem from the leadership standpoint. You are telling every batter to go and play an attacking brand of cricket, so you need to play like that only," he added.
Breaking down Stokes’ dismissal in the fourth innings, Ashwin went into technical details.
"Go and check Ben Stokes' dismissal against Washington Sundar. The ball drifted beautifully, it came on nicely, and I accept all these things—but just notice one thing: Washy's release is from wide of the crease. He has released it from the corner of the crease. Look at Ben Stokes' head position—it is coinciding with Rishabh Pant's head—and he played the line where Washington Sundar released the ball."
"Look at his foot. His leg is completely straight like an arrow. There is no bend in his knees. The leg stays straight only if you are looking to tonk the ball. In T20 cricket and white-ball cricket, you pick the first line delivered from the hand, as the ball doesn't get so much drift and you can smash it—but not in Test cricket," Ashwin stated.
Ashwin did not mince words as he criticised the situation England found themselves in. He felt England did not take advantage of the rain and instead kept trying to attack.
"You are batting at the stroke of lunch, final day of the Test match. 'We will go for 608 runs'—this is nothing but absolute hara-kiri and mockery. You can't go for 608 runs, boss."
"You have got the rain, and the only thing you needed was to draw the match. But you want to stay true to your style of play. That particular instinct to hit the ball is costing you these small dismissals,” Ashwin asserted.
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What to Expect from England at Lord’s?
After the Edgbaston defeat, all eyes will be on how England respond in the third Test at Lord’s, starting July 10. Their aggressive "Bazball" style has brought success in the past, but the Edgbaston drubbing has raised some valid questions.
Stokes, as captain, will be under pressure to lead with more clarity. England’s batting has shown intent, but not enough game awareness.
The good news for them is the likely returns of Gus Atkinson and Jofra Archer. These two pacers are likely to be included in the playing XI for the Lord's Test.
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