Ricky Ponting raises questions on England’s approach in 1st Test of Ashes 2023

Former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting raised concerns over England’s approach in Test cricket after they lost the first match of the ongoing Ashes series. Notably, Australia registered a thrilling victory by 2 wickets in the first match of s five-match series at the Edgbaston Stadium in Birmingham.

After the match, England skipper Ben Stokes has been facing lots of criticism for declaring the innings too early on Day 1 itself. England finished their first innings on 393 runs for the loss of 8 wickets. Star batter Joe Root was still batting on 118 runs off 152 and England had a fair chance to reach a score of 420-430 runs. Australian skipper Pat Cummins also opposed this decision and said his team wouldn’t have done the same.

However, Stokes defended his decision by saying that he saw it as an opportunity to put Australia under pressure. “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,” Stokes said after the match.

I think England have got the most questions to answer: Ricky Ponting

Talking about Stokes’ approach, Australia’s World Cup-winning skipper Ponting said England has many questions to answer after the first Test. However, he also added that he loves to watch England play. He feels that it is improbable for either team to alter their approach ahead of the second Test match at the historic Lords Cricket ground

“I think England have got the most questions to answer. Their style of play, is it going to hold up in an Ashes series? By no means am I saying that England’s method is wrong, I have loved watching them play, but it just goes to show there is more than one way to skin a cat,” Ponting told Sky Sports.

“This is a long and hard game. Australia’s method has stood up and it has worked. I want this series to be played the same way and I know Ben and Brendon will play the same way, which adds even more to next week,” he further added.