Kumar Sangakkara and Ben Stokes. (Photo Source : Gettyimages)
Ben Stokes’ England made light work of the Australian tail in the morning session of the third day at Edgbaston. Following an inspired move by the English skipper, former Sri Lankan cricketer and batting icon Kumar Sangakkara hailed the discipline of the English pacers.
With the surface in Birmingham proving a tough proponent for the pace bowlers, English skipper Ben Stokes decided the make things happen in the middle. The English all-rounder surrounded the Australian batters with close-in fielders, inviting them to go for the big shots, eventually leading to their demise.
While the well-set Usman Khawaja departed after being frustrated by the close-in fielders, England’s short ball ploy against the lower-order batters worked wonders for the hosts. Australia lost their last four wickets for just 14 runs, surrendering a narrow lead for the home side. Former Sri Lankan skipper Kumar Sangakkara praised England for their game plan against the tailenders.
“This is where England are ahead, especially Stokes. He understood singles wouldn’t matter to the tailenders – they were going to come out swinging. The fields were really well set to create those chances, showing the Australians they needed to take chances. The thinking was brilliant; the captaincy was brilliant, and England have already said they’re not going to settle for draws,” Sangakkara said speaking on Sky Sports Cricket.
Moeen’s role is crucial, they’ll try to get him back fit to bowl: Sangakkara
The ex-cricketer also shed light on the importance of veteran English spinner Moeen Ali, who walked off the field after an issue with his finger on the third morning of the Ashes opener. Sangakkara feels that Moeen’s role is crucial for the hosts as the pitch is conducive for the slower bowlers and England cannot rely only on Joe Root in the fourth innings.
“England needs a spinner to do the hard yards. It’s turning, it’s staying low, you’ve seen how flat it was for the fast bowlers and how hard they had to work and try to get wickets. Moeen’s role is crucial, they’ll try to get him back fit to bowl, but if you’re the captain you’re going to worry. Root is good, but is he good enough?” Sangakkara added.