“We were not surprised” – Jonny Bairstow on Ben Stokes’ declaration on the first day of the Edgbaston Test.

Jonny Bairstow also appeared at ease and adapted to Test cricket as naturally as a fish to water. He scored a run-a-ball 78, including 12 fours, and counterattacked the Australian bowlers, who appeared to be in control after reducing the Ben Stokes-led side to 176 for five. However, by the end of the day, the topic of conversation was not England’s ability to play fire with fire, but rather the timing of their first innings’ declaration. After weeks of anticipation, The Ashes 2023 began on June 16 at Edgbaston in Birmingham, with England electing to bat first after winning the toss on the first day.

With all the debate about how ‘Bazball’ will perform in its ‘ultimate test,’ England batted with positive intent throughout the entire first day of the five-match series, scoring 393 runs. On the very first delivery of the series, England‘s Zack Crawley dispatched Australia’s Pat Cummins through the covers for a boundary, a shot that amused the English captain in the dressing room and sparked the Three Lions’ offensive.

Though England sought to bazball Australia with intent, the Aussies were quick to script a comeback and had the hosts three down with 124 on the board at lunch. It required a rescue act from the middle order, and former captain Joe Root stepped up to the plate. Root (118*) achieved an impressive century while remaining composed at the crease. He put together a 121-run partnership with wicketkeeper-batsman Jonny Bairstow, who was returning to the Test arena following a protracted injury absence due to a freak golf accident just before the T20 World Cup in Australia last year.

Everyone expected Root and Robinson, who were batting 118 and attempting to accelerate, to press on and add as many runs as possible to post an intimidating total, but the English captain had other plans.

Stokes declared his innings with 393 runs on the board in order to face the two Australian openers before the day’s end. Jonny Bairstow reflected on his captain’s decision and noted that no one in the English dressing room was surprised by it.

The Times of India quotes Jonny Bairstow as saying, “I’m sure Ben has made a number of decisions that have surprised commentators and others, but it didn’t come as a surprise to us.”

“I’m thrilled to be back on the grand stage for the grand performance. It’s something you want to be a part of, and it didn’t let anyone down,” he added.

Jonny Bairstow reflected on his partnership with Root and expressed satisfaction with the outcome. He lavished praise on the former English captain for his performance.

“It was magnificent. He possesses unique characteristics and engages in unique activities. As someone who has known him for a very long time and has been through thick and thin, ups and downs, and numerous other experiences with him, it was an absolute joy to be with him.”

England was able to deliver four overs against both Usman Khawaja and his fellow southpaw David Warner, but neither batsman was threatened.