In a display of remarkable skill and strategy, Ben Stokes and his England team dismantled the Australian tail with ease during the morning session on the third day at Edgbaston. The English skipper’s tactical brilliance drew praise from former Sri Lankan cricketer and batting icon, Kumar Sangakkara, who applauded the discipline exhibited by the English pacers.

Recognizing the challenging nature of the pitch in Birmingham, Ben Stokes took it upon himself to take charge in the middle. Employing a clever tactic, the English all-rounder surrounded the Australian batsmen with close-in fielders, tempting them to play expansive shots, ultimately leading to their downfall. Follow your favourite cricket team with attractive betting odds from Nextbet.

As the well-set Usman Khawaja succumbed to the pressure created by the close-in fielders, England’s strategy of utilizing short-pitched deliveries against the lower-order batsmen yielded exceptional results. The Australians lost their final four wickets for a mere 14 runs, relinquishing a slim lead to the home side. Kumar Sangakkara, the former Sri Lankan captain, lauded England for their effective game plan against the tailenders.

“England, especially Stokes, demonstrated their superiority in this aspect. He understood that singles wouldn’t trouble the tailenders – they were always going to go for big shots. The field placements were astutely arranged to create opportunities, compelling the Australians to take risks. The thinking was brilliant, the captaincy was brilliant, and England have already made it clear that they are not content with settling for draws,” Sangakkara expressed during his commentary on Sky Sports Cricket.

Sangakkara also emphasized the significance of veteran English spinner Moeen Ali, who had to leave the field due to a finger issue on the third morning of the Ashes opener. Sangakkara believes that Moeen’s role is pivotal for the hosts, as the pitch favors slower bowlers, and England cannot solely rely on Joe Root to lead the charge in the fourth innings.

“England requires a spinner who can put in the hard yards. The pitch is offering turn, keeping the ball low, and we witnessed how challenging it was for the fast bowlers to find success and take wickets. Moeen’s contribution is crucial, and they will strive to get him fit enough to resume bowling. However, as the captain, you would have concerns. While Root is undoubtedly talented, one must question if he alone is sufficient,” Sangakkara added, acknowledging the importance of Moeen Ali’s potential return to the bowling attack.

With their comprehensive display against the Australian tail, England showcased their tactical acumen and determination to secure victory. As the Ashes series unfolds, it will be fascinating to witness how England’s game plan and team composition evolve, especially with the possible return of Moeen Ali, who could provide the much-needed spin prowess to further bolster their chances of success. Get the latest updates from the world of cricket only on Nextbet Sports.