The Story
England cricket team faced some sharp criticism from the ex-cricketers after a massive 340 runs loss at the hands of visitors South Africa in the 2nd Test at Trent Bridge. The loss meant South Africa equalled the series 1-1.
Former cricketers including names like Geoffrey Boycott, Nasser Hussain and Michael Vaughan spoke in a strict tone when assessing the defeat. The words from the legends were no less than stinging remarks. Boycott felt that the team lacked application, Hussain tagged the performance as rubbish while Vaughan referred the approach as unimpressive and disrespectful.
This kicked off a war of words as skipper Root expressed surprise with the manner the criticism was dished out, particularly from old mentor Vaughan.
Stokes Defends Skipper
After Root’s answer, all-rounder Ben Stokes has jumped into the debate and labelled criticism of England’s performance at Trent Bridge as “harsh” and “unfair.” Stokes admitted that England failed miserably but disagreed that the side lacked commitment.
“The whole fight and desire [question] and everything like that that’s been thrown at us I think is very, very unfair,” Stokes told ESPNcricinfo. “It’s almost like people are saying that we don’t have the desire or the fight to play for England but everyone who takes part in the game – not just the 11 but everyone in the squad, coaches – the desire, the commitment, the fight to represent your country and do well is always there. So I think that kind of criticism is harsh, yes.”
“The big thing is just for us is to be able to adapt quicker,” Stokes said. “We didn’t adapt whatsoever in that second innings at Trent Bridge to what we needed to do, which was just to bat. But unfortunately, it didn’t happen. The only way we can give ourselves the best chance is just assessing the situations better.”
Assistant Coach Agree on Lack of Fight
England’s assistant coach Paul Fabrace, however, agreed that the team had their shoulders down when the side was losing its grip over the match. His words came immediately after Stokes had given his interview.
“Everyone put their hands up after the Trent Bridge performance and said it lacked some fight, certainly in the second innings, and there were some disappointing dismissals in both innings,” Farbrace said.
“There is a fine line between being positive and being reckless. We had some reckless dismissals, and we also had some disappointing defensive dismissals in the last game.
“Not all of them were people playing big shots and getting caught on the rope; we had people caught around the crease, and being bowled, through perhaps being not quite as positive with their footwork and clinical as they could have been in defence. It, unfortunately, wasn’t a one-off – it’s happened a few times before.”
No Change Anticipated
England will see one change in the side for the upcoming Test at The Oval as Tom Westley walks in as the replacement for injured Gary Ballance at No. 3.
The right hander, who was picked ahead of Mark Stoneman, had his first session with the team recently. Barring the sole change, no changes are anticipated despite reports stating that the venue, which is preparing for its 100th Test, might have a flat pitch.
“We know what [our best team] is. We play two spinners who are attacking bowlers,” Stokes said.
“We have the option to play two spinners or bring another batsman in,” Farbrace added. “But I think the one thing our selectors have done well in the last few years is very consistent. Players have sometimes been given one game more rather than one game too few and I think that’s the way we should be.
“When you pick people, you want them to know they’re going to get a run of games. We’re trying to build confidence in the team. Yes, we know it was not a great performance at Trent Bridge by any means, but chopping and changing don’t tend to solve anything.”