Pakistan’s humiliation at Headingley has turned into a different storm. Now, English cricket finds itself under a scheduling row. Fans are up in arms. It seems players themselves have a clear preference. Listen to Ben Stokes, for instance.
What Did Ben Stokes Say About the ECB Ditching Headingley?
Stokes took to his Instagram handle and shared Joe Root’s statement. The English captain said, “It’s a shame we don’t get to play here next year.” Stokes agrees. Even going a step ahead.
“Shame is an understatement tbh!! Shambolic would be more appropriate,” he wrote in the Instagram story.
The reason? Historic evidence and England’s record at the venue. Having won 7 consecutive Test matches at the venue.
The venue also suits the English batters. Stokes’ 135-run knock against Australia, pulling the famous 1-wicket heist, now part of the cricketing legends, came here.
England’s recent resounding victory there against Pakistan by an innings and 103 runs adds to the argument. Stokes acknowledged that too. “Great win though 🙌🙌,” he added in the story.
To strip the Ashes away from a ground that generates such atmospheric noise and guarantees packed, passionate houses feels counterproductive to growing the game. There will be no trip to the North.
Not to mention a missed opportunity to get a certain win against the Aussies next year. Reducing England’s chances to win the Ashes in the eyes of some fans.
But the matter is even worse. The next test match doesn’t happen at the venue till 2029.
Stokes might have wrapped up his fiery critique with a cheerful nod to England’s latest victory, but his message to the suits in London was crystal clear.
The fans are not happy. The players are not happy. The Ashes is at stake, and that’s a call that, as of now, seems disastrous.