Former England captain Michael Vaughan expressed surprise at Ben Stokes’ decision to not give the second new ball to veteran pacer James Anderson during the Edgbaston Test against Australia. In the closing stages of the Ashes opener, Stuart Broad and Ollie Robinson took the second new ball instead. However, they were unable to break the partnership between Australian skipper Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon, who added crucial runs to secure a memorable two-wicket victory for their team.
Anderson, one of England’s most experienced bowlers, did not bowl a single over with the second new ball as Stokes entrusted Broad and Robinson with the task. Sharing his thoughts on the captain’s tactics, Vaughan expressed his surprise, stating that he couldn’t recall a previous instance where Anderson wasn’t given the second new ball in English conditions. Vaughan believed that the situation called for Anderson and Broad to bowl straight deliveries to Lyon, anticipating that he might play across the line.
According to Vaughan, once Cummins and Lyon gained momentum in their partnership, the game became easier for the visiting team. Cummins unleashed two sixes off Joe Root’s bowling in an over, propelling Australia’s fightback. Cummins also struck four boundaries, including the winning shot.
