England captain Ben Stokes says they need to draw extra followers to Test cricket by entertaining with a daring strategy, even when outcomes don’t go their means.
“It (Test cricket) needs to stay around and we’ll do everything we possibly can as a team to keep it alive,” Stokes mentioned on Monday after England outsmarted Pakistan by 74 runs within the first Test on a flat pitch at Pindi Cricket Stadium.
“If you’re brave enough and willing enough to go out and play in that way, even if you lose a game, it’s going to be entertaining.”
The intent to play five-day cricket with a fearless angle has reaped England seven wins in its final eight Tests since final summer season when Brendon McCullum took over as coach and Stokes as captain.
“That’s personally how I think Test cricket should be played,” Stokes mentioned. “Test cricket is something that needs to be looked after. It’s the pinnacle of cricket that everybody wants to play.”
On the same sort of docile pitch in March, solely 15 wickets fell in a draw between Pakistan and Australia. But Stokes’ aspect was audacious from the primary ball.
England’s 506 for 4 on the primary day was a Test document. The 921 runs at a price of 6.73 was the quickest in Test historical past by any group batting twice. Following a daring declaration at Tea on day 4, Pakistan collapsed and was all out in fading gentle for 268.
The mixed 1,768 runs was the third most in Test historical past, and the very best since 1939. The total run price of 4.54 is the very best for any Test of two,000-plus balls.
England earned solely a 3rd win within the nation.
“We wanted to come into day five where both results were possible, one of those results not being a draw,” Stokes mentioned.
“The way in which we’ve toiled the whole week alone, just today is absolutely fantastic.”
There was doubt over England’s first Test in Pakistan in 17 years beginning on time when a number of gamers, together with Stokes, have been affected by viral an infection.
Regular wicketkeeper Ben Foakes couldn’t get well in time and Ollie Pope was handed the preserving gloves on the final minute. England managed to choose 11 match gamers two hours earlier than the toss on Thursday.
“The way in which the lads just dealt with it and just cracked on, credit to them,” Stokes mentioned.