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India‘s legendary spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has launched a scathing critique of Ben Stokes’ batting performance in the Edgbaston Test and questioned England’s Test match approach under his leadership. Ashwin didn’t mince words as he analyzed Stokes’ shot selection, body mechanics, and decision-making in the second innings collapse, which saw England fold for 271 while chasing a massive 608-run target.
Ravichandran Ashwin calls out Ben Stokes’ ‘mockery’ of Test match batting after Edgbaston collapse
Speaking on his Hindi YouTube show ‘Ash Ki Baat’, the veteran off-spinner admitted admiration for Stokes but challenged his overall body of work in red-ball cricket. Ashwin began by acknowledging Stokes’ talent and past achievements, particularly his legendary 135 at Headingley in the 2019 Ashes. However, Ashwin raised valid question about Stokes’ consistency as a Test batter. He implied that outside of one iconic knock, Stokes has underwhelmed with the bat, especially in high-pressure scenarios.
“Ben Stokes is a fabulous player. I take my hat off to him. But we need to remember one thing, barring that Headingley heroics in the Ashes, what has he achieved as a batter?,” Ashwin said.
Ashwin also criticized England’s decision to chase 608 runs on the final day, calling it an act of ‘mockery.’ Ashwin further blamed England’s ‘brand loyalty’ to Bazball. He points out that rain was forecast, and drawing the match was realistic and valuable. But instead of adapting, England forced their attacking game plan, leading to needless wickets. His message: being aggressive is fine, but failing to adapt is poor leadership and poor cricket sense.
“You are batting at the stroke of lunch, final day of the Test match. ‘We will go for 608 runs’, this is nothing but absolute hara-kiri and mockery. You can’t go for 608 runs, boss. You’ve got the rain, and the only thing you needed was to draw the match. But you want to stay true to your style of play. That particular instinct to hit the ball is costing you these small dismissals,” the former Indian cricketer added.
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Ashwin dissects Stokes’ technical flaw ahead of Lord’s Test
Ashwin provided a detailed technical breakdown of Stokes’ second innings dismissal against Washington Sundar, accusing the England captain of applying white-ball instincts in red-ball cricket.
“Go and check Ben Stokes’ dismissal against Washington Sundar. The ball drifted beautifully, it came on nicely, and I accept all these things, but just notice one thing. Washy’s release is from wide of the crease. He has released it from the corner. Now look at Ben Stokes’ head position, it’s coinciding with Rishabh Pant’s head. He played the line where Washington Sundar released the ball,” the legendary off-spinner stated.
Ashwin further explained that Stokes’ stance was that of someone playing a T20 shot, not a Test match stroke.
“Look at his foot. His leg is completely straight like an arrow. There is no bend in the knees. The leg stays straight only if you are looking to tonk the ball. In T20 or white-ball cricket, you pick the first line delivered from the hand, because there’s no drift. But in Test cricket, that method will expose you,” Ashwin concluded.
The third Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy begins Thursday, July 10 at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground. With the series tied at 1-1, the spotlight is firmly on England’s response and whether Stokes can answer his critics with the bat.
