England’s Test skipper Ben Stokes made the headlines after he requested flat wickets for the iconic Ashes series this summer. While speaking to Sky Sports during the IPL, Stokes stated that he has even spoken to pitch curators at the five venues and had asked for pitches suitable to England’s style of play.
At the same time, Ben Stokes also agrees that this might as well play into Australia’s hands, considering the fact that the Aussies have the best Test batters like Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne at their disposal.
A flat wicket refers to a playing surface which is dry and hard as well. As a result, it will have a very even bounce, which makes it easier for the batters to play their shots and compose runs a bit more freely. On the other hand, it would be quite difficult for the bowlers to get the ball to deviate off the pitch.
Ben Stokes confirms England wants fast and flat pitches for The Ashes
Ben Stokes took over as England’s Test captain at the start of last summer. Under the tutelage of head coach Brendon McCullum, the England cricket team stunned the cricket fraternity with a “Bazball” approach.
England have been sticking to this rapid-scoring strategy that has steered them to 10 wins out of the 12 games that they played so far. For the record, they have maintained 4.76 runs per over, which is the highest of the 11 nations to have played Test cricket.
The first of the five-match iconic Ashes series will begin on June 16 at Edgbaston. The second Test will be held on June 28 at the Lord’s whereas the third Test will be held on July 6 at Headingley Carnegie. The fourth Test will be held on July 19 at Old Trafford Cricket Ground whereas the fifth and final Test will begin on July 27 at The Oval.
That's playing into Smith and Labuschagne hands. Exactly what they want. https://t.co/kZ9gg78MWR
— Troll cricket unlimitedd (@TUnlimitedd) April 12, 2023
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At this rate he will be the most successful captain in 2-3 years. But that change the fact that they are flat track bullies 🥱
Advertisement— Pallavi Paul (@Pallavi_paul21) April 12, 2023
Guy just admitted that bazzball can just work on flat tracksðŸ˜
— Vishesh Jain (@Vishesh2495) April 12, 2023
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it is their right
Advertisement— GOATROHIT45 (@sachinq518) April 12, 2023
That's a bold strategy by England! It'll be interesting to see if the Aussies will oblige with their request for fast and flat pitches. Regardless, we can expect a thrilling contest between two powerhouses of cricket. #TheAshes #EnglandCricket #BenStokes
— Gordhan Patel (@GPCHOUDHARY16) April 12, 2023
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This time it's gonna be more interesting, need to see what Ben-Baz duo will do..
Advertisement— SaiNath (@SainnathR) April 12, 2023
