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“I Was Staggered when He Said He Was Going to Bowl” - Former Captain Blasts Ben Stokes in ENG vs IND 2025 1st Test

Former England captain Michael Vaughan strongly questioned Ben Stokes' choice to field first after claiming the toss on June 20, 2025, at Headingley, Leeds.
Vaughan explained the choice stemmed from assessing the pitch’s moisture and green tinge, but he noted it was premature to judge the pitch's flatness without seeing Jasprit Bumrah bowl.
India responded strongly, with captain Shubman Gill scoring 127 not out and Yashasvi Jaiswal 101, leading the visitors to 359 for 3 on a dry, sunlit pitch favoring batsmen.
Vaughan, reflecting on conditions at Leeds, expressed his belief that on a bright and dry day, the conventional approach is to bat first. He found the choice to bowl surprising, especially considering the current lack of experience in England’s bowling attack.
The decision backfired as India gained control on a pitch offering little assistance to bowlers, suggesting England’s strength currently lies more in batting than bowling under Stokes’ captaincy.

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NDTV

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Michael Vaughan Astonished By Ben Stokes' Decision To Bowl First On Dry Headingley Pitch

Former captain Michael Vaughan is astonished by England's decision to bowl first on a dry Headingley wicket.

9 days ago·New Delhi, India

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Sportskeeda

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“I was staggered when he said he was going to bowl” - Former captain blasts Ben Stokes in ENG vs IND 2025 1st Test

Former England captain Michael Vaughan has slammed Ben Stokes' decision to bowl first after winning the toss in the first Test against India at Headingley, Leeds on Friday, June 20.

9 days ago

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India Today

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ENG vs IND: Michael Vaughan slams Ben Stokes's decision to bowl in Leeds Test

Former England captain Michael Vaughan said he was "staggered" that Ben Stokes chose to bowl first after winning the toss on the opening day of the Test series against India. The decision backfired as the tourists plundered 359 runs for the loss of just three wickets on a flat pitch.

9 days ago·India

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The Independent

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Michael Vaughan ‘staggered’ by England’s decision to bowl first against India

England were made to toil as the tourists cashed in on the opening day at Headingley

9 days ago·London, United Kingdom

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DNA India

Former England skipper 'staggered' by Ben Stokes' decision to bowl first against India at Headingley

England's skipper Ben Stokes won the Toss and elected to field first against India in the 1st Test of the 5-match series. However, his decision to bowl first against the tourning nation has garnered criticism from many legendary English players.

9 days ago·New Delhi, India

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