Cricket Live: The 2023 Ashes series began on Friday, June 16, at Edgbaston, with England and Australia competing for the prized urn. After winning the toss, England captain Ben Stokes chose to bat first in the first Test.
As Stokes and Pat Cummins stepped out for the toss in the first Test at Edgbaston in Birmingham, he stated leading England for the first time in the Ashes is a memorable occasion for him. The 32-year-old also remarked that it is tough at times to filter out the noise, but he feels it is something England has been particularly good at in the previous year.
“Leading the team here after all the hype is a very special moment for me and the rest of the guys on the team.” It’s difficult at times [to filter out the noise] because it creates a lot of buzz and energy, but I believe it’s something we’ve done extremely well in the last year to keep all the external noise out and concentrate on what we do,” Stokes said during the toss, according to India Today.
After taking over as England captain in the longest version of the game, Stokes has enjoyed tremendous success. Following England’s defeat in the Ashes in 2021-22, Joe Root resigned as captain and Chris Silverwood was fired as head coach. However, former New Zealand cricketer Brendon McCullum took over as coach, while Stokes was selected as England’s Test captain.
It’s wonderful to have Moeen Ali back: Stokes
Ben Stokes then voiced his delight at the return of off-spinner Moeen Ali to the XI for the first Ashes Test. Ali, who declared his retirement from Test cricket after England’s tour of India in 2021, was called in when left-arm spinner Jack Leach injured himself before of the series. The England captain claimed that he went to Ali because he understands what he can offer the squad after seeing him put up some amazing performances in England.
“It’s wonderful to have Mo back. Leachy had a terrible injury. He’s been a rock for our group, and hearing that news was heartbreaking. I’ve watched Mo put in some incredible performances on some fantastic days in the England jersey, and I went to him because I know what he can bring to the squad. “It’s great to have him back, and I hope he enjoys himself out there,” the English captain continued.
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