‘I didn’t like Ben Stokes’s declaration call on Day 1’: Kevin Pietersen, Ashes 2023.

Ashes 2023: England made a unconventional declaration in 1st Innings. In a surprising turn of events during the opening day of the first Ashes Test at Edgbaston in Birmingham, England made an early declaration in their first innings, ending at 393 for 8 after just 78 overs. The decision was made by Ben Stokes, the captain, while Joe Root, England’s star batsman, remained unbeaten on a commendable 121.

This unexpected move drew skepticism from former England captain Kevin Pietersen and raised eyebrows among cricket enthusiasts. The timing of the declaration is particularly noteworthy, as it marks the earliest first-innings declaration in the history of the Ashes. Ben Stokes, alongside coach Brendon McCullum, made the call despite Root’s impressive innings and the docile nature of the Edgbaston pitch, which had faced criticism for lacking sufficient challenges for the bowlers. With the opportunity to potentially extend their lead and aim for a total of 450, the decision to declare at 393 for 8 was an unconventional one.

Kevin Pietersen said “I don’t think that’s the nature of his captaincy (in and out fields from Stokes). It’s difficult to answer because we did not see much in it this evening. And I did that Test match last year against India with you guys, it was a wicket that did get better for batting, and I think that tomorrow could be the most beautiful day. That’s why I am… I didn’t like the declaration,”.

He added “We will find out if it’s the right thing to have done. I always got told 400… get to 400, 450 in the first innings of a Test match. It’s psychological. Maybe I am being too critical, I don’t know, we will see,”.