Ashes 2023: "England Plays Now Like Very Free-Flowing" - Kumar Sangakkara In Awe Of Ben Stokes' Captaincy Despite Australia's Win At Edgbaston

Former Sri Lankan skipper Kumar Sangakkara was in awe of Ben Stokes’ captaincy after the recently concluded first Test of the Ashes 2023 at Edgbaston in Birmingham. He said England would be very proud of the way they played as they put in an incredible performance.

The first Test of the Ashes 2023 was a nail-biter that saw both teams engaging in a staggering competition between bat and ball. But in the end, it was the Australian Cricket Team, who held their nerves better and clinched victory from the jaws of defeat by just 2 wickets.

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Despite Australia winning the game, England skipper Ben Stokes was the talking point of the game on all 5 days with his aggressive brand of leadership. The all-rounder was spot-on with his changes and it’s fair to say that they were on top of the game for the most part.

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Ben Stokes surprised many with his declaration in the first innings and then after that, he played some staggering fields, which made run-scoring hard for Australia. The England skipper had multiple plans for every batter and put them under pressure.

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Kumar Sangakkara hailed Ben Stokes as free-flowing, saying that he doesn’t let the game drift away. He said that not only in this match but he was impressed by the all-rounder’s captaincy throughout.

Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: “Ben Stokes is free-flowing, he is expressive, he doesn’t let the game drift. But how he and McCullum kind of meet their minds and settle on tactics is why it’s so attractive out there. And that partnership has paid dividends to England.”

“I loved Stokes’ captaincy not just in this particular match but throughout. Stokes especially should be very proud and very happy the way they played.”

Also Read: Ashes 2023: “I Think It Is A Defining Moment For Pat Cummins” – Eoin Morgan Feels Australia Skipper Was A Little Bit More Defensive

Ashes 2023: He’ll be disappointed but quite satisfied as well – Kumar Sangakkara on Ben Stokes

Kumar Sangakkara further went on to say that Ben Stokes will be disappointed but he will be satisfied as well. He pointed out that with the way England is playing, there’s a lot of planning behind that.

He explained: “He’ll be disappointed but quite satisfied as well. The performance they put in was incredible. We always think that it’s impulsive cricket that England plays now like very free-flowing. But there is a lot of plan that goes behind the scenes.”

England would be hoping for a better result in the second match. The second Test of the Ashes 2023 is slated to take place at Lord’s in London. The game is scheduled to be taken place on 28th June.

Also Read: Ashes 2023: “I Think England Annoyed Him” – Ian Healy Praises Pat Cummins’ All-Round Performance In Edgbaston Test

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