Ben Stokes' captaincy is under intense scrutiny following England's performance in the second Test against India at Edgbaston. After India set a daunting target of 608 runs, former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif has openly questioned the hype surrounding Stokes' leadership.
Kaif criticized Stokes' decision to bowl first on a flat, sunny pitch, a move that allowed India to amass a formidable total of 1014 runs across both innings. He further pointed out Stokes' poor form with the bat, highlighting his golden duck in the first innings – a first in his 202-innings Test career. Kaif also questioned Stokes’ field placements. "I have never understood the hype around Ben Stokes the captain," Kaif wrote on X (formerly Twitter). "On a flat track with sun shining, he decides to bowl, today with some life in pitch edges flying but no extra slip".
Stokes' batting has been a concern for a while, with only 664 runs in 27 innings at an average of 26.56 since the start of 2024. This includes only five half-centuries and no centuries. Kaif indirectly referenced the win at Headingley where other batters stood tall while Stokes failed to deliver with the bat.
England's 'Bazball' approach, characterized by aggressive, win-at-all-costs cricket, has also come under the microscope. While this strategy has led to 21 wins in 34 Tests since June 2022, with only one draw, critics argue that it lacks the tactical flexibility needed in certain situations. Former England captain Michael Vaughan has even urged Stokes to play for a draw in the Edgbaston Test, acknowledging India's dominance and questioning whether England has the mindset to bat through the final day for a draw. Vaughan highlighted that in the 34 Tests under Stokes' captaincy, England have only drawn once.
However, Stokes has had successes as captain. England pulled off a huge Test match win in the series opener against India at Headingley. Stokes chose to bowl first, a risky move. Many doubted him when India scored big, but his team chased 371 runs easily. Ben Duckett smashed 149 runs to lead the chase, and Joe Root stayed calm and finished strong. Stokes knew Headingley's pitch well and that it gets flatter every day. His team loves running chases and they've chased big scores before. Stokes has bowled first 11 times, and England won eight of those games.
Despite the criticism, it’s important to note that Stokes has acknowledged the absence of key Indian players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma but cautioned against underestimating India's new squad. He praised Jasprit Bumrah and welcomed Chris Woakes' return, highlighting England's strong record with him.
As England face an uphill battle on the final day of the second Test, the spotlight remains firmly on Ben Stokes and his captaincy. Whether he can silence his critics and guide his team to an improbable victory, or at least a face-saving draw, remains to be seen.
