Ben Stokes sets record for putting opposition to bat in Test cricket

In England, the first Test match against India began on June 20, 2025, at Headingley. England won the toss and opted to bowl first on a warm but hazy day, a decision influenced by the expectation that conditions would favor bowlers initially. This Test saw a full house at the stadium, indicating high interest in the match as Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes led the English side against India, captained by Shubman Gill. England’s bowling attack started strong, though they faced challenges as India’s batsmen began to find form and build momentum during the early overs. On the second day of the Test, which unfolded on June 21, 2025, India’s captain Shubman Gill showcased his skills, scoring 147 runs, while Rishabh Pant contributed 134 runs. Despite a rocky start, losing their first wicket early to Jasprit Bumrah, England managed to stabilize their innings through partnerships, chiefly by Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope. Pope ended the day unbeaten on 100, fortifying England's response to India's total. As the day progressed, the dynamics shifted dramatically. India, initially looking strong at 430 for 3, found themselves losing seven wickets for just 41 runs as England’s bowlers began to capitalize on their chances. This remarkable comeback was highlighted by strong performances from Ben Stokes, who not only made crucial breakthroughs but also saw his strategy of putting opposition teams into bat yield positive results, as he has done more than any other England captain historically. The match reflects a significant moment in the ongoing series as both teams aim to assert dominance. England’s captain Ben Stokes has expressed a focus on winning rather than simply entertaining fans, marking a tactical shift in their approach to Test cricket, which has previously been characterized by an aggressive 'Bazball' strategy. This underscores the evolving nature of the game and the importance of leveraging historical records as part of competitive strategy.