'Every run was pretty much needed' - Pat Cummins opens up on Ben Stokes' first innings declaration of Edgbaston Test

Australia won the first Test of Ashes 2023 as they defeated England by two wickets on the fifth day and have taken a 1-0 lead in the series. Captain Pat Cummins (44*) and Nathan Lyon (16*) forged an unbeaten 55-run stand to help their side snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. Following England’s loss, captain Ben Stokes is being criticised for his early declaration on Day 1 of the Test.

Stokes declared England’s first innings on 393/8 late on Day 1 to have a crack at the Australian openers despite Joe Root (118*) and Ollie Robinson (17*) still occupying the crease. However, they failed to make an impact as both openers David Warner and Usman Khawaja managed to remain unscathed till the close of play. When asked whether he would have declared the innings on 393/8 on the first day with their best batter on 118, Pat Cummins said that he would never have done it.

“Probably not, no. I wasn't overly surprised, but the wicket felt pretty good so I thought every run was pretty much needed in that first innings,” Cummins was quoted as saying by the mirror.co.uk. 

Talking about his decision, Stokes said that he felt that it was time to pounce on the Australian openers with over 20 minutes left in the day. He further said that he wouldn’t be hesitant to declare again in a similar situation if the opportunity presents itself.

I am not going to change the way I have gone about my cricket: Ben Stokes

"I thought that was a time to pounce. If we were in the same position? Yeah. I would like to be 398 for 6 with 20 minutes left. That would be great. I am not going to change the way I have gone about my cricket because it is the Ashes. Who knows we could have got an extra 40 runs or lost two wickets in two balls. I am not a captain who gets by on what ifs,” said Stokes.

Meanwhile, former England captain Michael Vaughan has said that he could guarantee that Stokes will not declare in a similar position in the second Test. It will be interesting to see if Stokes stays true to his words as England and Australia prepare themselves to lock horns in the second Test from Wednesday, June 28 at the Lord’s.