Ali’s report has landed from Trent Bridge which is my cue to get outta here. Many thanks Tim for helming a lengthy first shift before I swooped in late to take the glory. Thanks all for your company and correspondence - the OBO will return for some white ball action next week.
England did what they needed to do, sterner tests lie in wait…
Updated
England Captain Ben Stokes speaks:
It’s good to get the summer off to winning ways… Zak and Ben went out there in the way we want, they imposed themselves on the game. Those top two are very hard to bowl to. Every run you get for England is important - Pope was exceptional and he continued the momentum. He’s a massive part of the team and has been incredible.”
Stokes is publicy backing his players after his comments about Jacob Bethell were interpreted to mean the wunderkind would return from the IPL and walk right into a spot in the starting XI for the India series. Stokes meant that Bethell would come into the squad. His quotes did put a bit more hear on Pope and Crawley though and they both responded with centuries.
Stokes pointedly had this to say on selection:
Everyone under the microscope from the outside has done well.”
On his own fitness and form he said:
I’m pleased to get more overs under the belt. Rest for me now is as important as ever. It’ll take time, it’s a big thing for the body to go through (his hamstring operation). I worked hard to get here so it’s a massive confidence boost.”
On Shoaib Bashir:
The way he came out and inserted himself on the game was exceptional. The wicket wasn’t offering that much, so to walk off with nine-for was exceptional. Everything is going upwards for him.”
