Jonny Bairstow praises bold declaration from Ben Stokes during Ashes opener
- Oscar Sanders
- 17 June 2023
Jonny Bairstow applauded an adventurous declaration from Ben Stokes after the England captain rolled the dice on the first day of the Ashes.
Jonny Bairstow believes captain Ben Stokes made a good decision in declaring on the first day of the Ashes.
Stokes threw caution to wind on day one of the first Test, waving his side in at 393 for eight in the hope of snapping up a late wicket at Edgbaston.
Joe Root was batting beautifully on 118 when the signal came from the balcony and would surely have kept the scoreboard ticking had he been left to his own devices, but Stokes swapped the promise of extra runs for four late overs at the Australia openers.
That meant a quick skirmish between long-time sparring partners Stuart Broad and David Warner, but England were unable to generate a breakthrough that would have capped a thrilling day of action.
It was the fifth time Stokes has declared in the first innings in his 14th Test as full-time captain and Bairstow praised the intent of forcing the change where others might have let the game drift to a natural close.
"I'm sure there's many decisions Ben has made that have taken commentators and other people by surprise, but it was no surprise to us," said the wicketkeeper.
"We didn't know anything about it, it was a scramble to get the tape on, the pads on and all the rest. But when it's something that's not expected, it can be the best form of attack.
"Having played the game for as long as we have, we're aware a 20-minute slot for an opening pair is something that's not very nice. It can be a bit niggly.
"It's a bit of a shot to nothing - there might be an unbelievable ball in there, or a loose shot in there.
"We'll come back tomorrow with a ball that's four overs old, a fresh bowling attack and team that is really looking forward to the challenge."
Bairstow, who contributed a punchy run-a-ball 78 in first Test innings back after a 10-month lay-off, was part of a vital 121-run stand with his long-time friend and foil, Root.
The Yorkshire duo have shared some memorable partnerships across the years and Bairstow beamed as he reflected on Root's outstanding century.
It was his 30th in Test cricket but a first against Australia since 2015, ending a sequence of 12 unconverted Ashes fifties.
"It was brilliant. There are some special traits that he's got and he does special things," he said.
"As someone who has known him for a really long time, been through thick and thin, ups and downs and lots of different things together, it was an absolute pleasure to be out there with him.
"He's a fantastic player and talent. He loves batting, loves being out there, loves the occasion, loves representing his country. It takes a lot of skill, a lot of endeavour and patience."
Bairstow also savoured his own contribution. A freak golfing accident last August left him with three separate fractures in his left leg, a dislocated ankle and ligament damage and he revealed recently he feared for his career.
After 12 boundaries and a seemingly-endless supply of hard-run ones and twos, it was like he had never been away.
"I'm delighted to be back out there on the big stage, during the big dance. It's something you want to be part of and it didn't disappoint," he said.
"There were a few nerves kicking about as you can probably imagine, but when I found my flow and got into the battle, it was really enjoyable to be out there again."
