Ben Stokes is ready to get “even more adventurous” along with his ways because the England captain targets to proceed pushing the boundaries of what’s conceivable in Test cricket.
Speaking as he ready for the second one Test in opposition to Pakistan beginning in Multan on Friday – a fit that would see even shorter days than their 74‑run win in Rawalpindi, as a result of fog – Stokes confirmed no real interest in his facet sitting on their 1-0 collection lead. Asked how a lot more ingenious his facet may just get, having ransacked 921 runs from simply 821 balls throughout their two innings within the first Test, after which set an inviting goal on a flat pitch, Stokes mentioned: “We might see, actually, in this Test.
“If it does pan out the way that it could, potentially, with the late start [for fog] and early finish [for bad light], we could end up having only 300-350 overs in the match. We might have to get even more adventurous with what we do.”
The match may also challenge the fitness of both teams, with the pollution levels in Multan rated as “very unhealthy” on the air quality index and physical activity not recommended – somewhat suboptimal for a five-day cricket match.
Among the ideas floated by Stokes to keep the game moving were possible declarations in both innings, while 48 hours out the captain said he was open to retaining Ollie Pope as wicketkeeper despite Ben Foakes returning to fitness after an illness bug.
With seven wins from eight after a previous one from 17 under predecessor Joe Root, it is clear there is no going back for this England side under Stokes and the head coach, Brendon McCullum, as they maintain their contempt for the draw.
“We’ll stick to our guns and the way we want to play,” Stokes mentioned. “That’s to move in the market and take a look at and make each unmarried day of Test cricket entertaining and take a look at to power effects – now not being concerned about an excessive amount of else.
“We’ve moved on from that first Test. Obviously it was once a horny particular win. But I feel we are excellent at parking effects. It’s all the time concerning the subsequent recreation, particularly in a [three-match] collection like this one the place each recreation is back-to-back.
