England Test team captain Ben Stokes surprised everyone by announcing his retirement from international cricket. He announced his retirement on the fourth day of the Nottingham Test against New Zealand, after which the cricket world saluted his brilliant career. But one of his decisions taken in this match was not liked by the England fans and he started being heavily criticized on social media.
Batting order changed after retirement
After the end of New Zealand’s second innings on the fourth day of the Trent Bridge Test, England were given a challenging target of 373 runs to win. During this time, everyone expected that the team would take the field with its regular batting order.
However, surprising everyone, Ben Stokes himself came out to open. Stokes, who usually bats at number five or six, opened the innings himself in place of young opener Emilio Gay.
Fast start, but not a long innings
Stokes displayed aggressive batting in his last international innings. He scored 30 runs in just 20 balls and scored runs quickly, but could not succeed in playing a big innings and was out early.
After this innings, the England team came under pressure and the anger of the fans also started coming to the fore.
Why were England fans angry?
This decision of Stokes was criticized not only by cricket lovers of other countries but also by the fans of England.
Many users on social media alleged that Stokes tried to focus his last match on himself. Many fans wrote that the team had to chase a difficult target and tampering with the batting order at such a time was not the right decision.
Some users even called him “selfish” and said that individual departures should not be put above the interest of the team.
There was more need in the middle order
Cricket experts and fans believe that while chasing a big target like 373 runs, Stokes’ role could have been more important in the middle order.
At such a time, he could prove to be a batsman who could handle the innings and take advantage of his experience. But the decision to open has affected the entire batting order, about which questions are being raised.
Was in the news even before the announcement of retirement
Before announcing his retirement, Stokes had informed his team about this decision. Later the England Cricket Board announced it officially.
On the fourth day, he also brought success to the team by taking one wicket in bowling, after which he was expected to get a grand farewell. But a change in the batting order brought his departure into controversy.
Fans divided into two parts on social media
While some cricket experts and commentators are calling Stokes’ decision as his different thinking and fearless style, a large number of fans are considering it as an irresponsible decision.
At present, this decision of Ben Stokes remains a topic of debate in the cricket world. On one hand, his brilliant career is being appreciated, while on the other hand, his decision to open in the last Test is facing constant criticism.
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