Former England captain Kevin Pietersen has criticized current captain Ben Stokes for batting in the early innings against India on the third day of the rescheduled fifth Test at Edgbaston, saying he batted poorly. Stokes was sacked for 25 in the first innings for England on Sunday. After captain Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami attacked both sides of the wicket, Stokes opted to score quick runs against the fast bowlers, earning a few runs in the process. He was revived twice by dropping easy catches from Shardul Thakur and Bumrah.
Thereafter, Stokes came out on a big hit from Thakur and Bumrah made a brilliant diving catch in the middle, dropping him to 25. His 66-run association with Bairstow came to an end.
Pietersen said during the lunch break on Sky Sports: “I was watching Stokes play under pressure and he was hitting the ball out of the air. It was sloppy batting. Not defending your wicket. Patience in test match.” discipline. It wasn’t good to go out like this.
Jonny Bairstow, who had been batting with Stokes since yesterday, relied on his aggressive hitting style to post an unbeaten 91 from 113 balls. Pietersen advised Stokes to take hitting lessons from Bairstow, who is hitting brilliantly.
Asked about England’s aggressive intent in the inaugural season since former New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum took over as head coach, Pietersen commented that Bairstow is leading England well with the bat.
