Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh has provided insights into where England went wrong in the opening Test of the Ashes series against Australia at Edgbaston in Birmingham. Led by Pat Cummins, Australia claimed a 1-0 lead in the five-match series with a convincing two-wicket victory on the final day (June 20).

Harbhajan highlighted a crucial moment in the match when Ben Stokes, the England all-rounder, decided to allow Joe Root to continue bowling with the old ball instead of taking the new ball that was available after the 80th over on the fifth day. However, their perseverance paid off when wicketkeeper-batsman Alex Carey was dismissed, leaving Australia at 227/8.

Meanwhile, Cummins and Nathan Lyon spearheaded the Australian charge, taking advantage of England’s decision to stick with the old ball. Although England eventually took the new ball after the 85th over, both Australian batsmen had already settled in.

Singh praised Cummins for his exceptional innings and regarded it as a captain’s knock played down the order. Cummins, the Australian skipper, remained unbeaten with 44 runs off 73 deliveries, while Lyon contributed a crucial 16* runs off 28 deliveries to secure the victory. Singh also expressed his opinion that Stokes erred on the final day by delaying the use of the new ball.

“Pat Cummins has to be praised for his knock; he played a captain’s innings coming down the order. Ben Stokes made a mistake by not going for the new ball; they delayed it too much,” remarked Harbhajan, as quoted by Sportskeeda.

The former Indian off-spinner further explained that England had believed they could dismiss Cummins and Lyon with the old ball, but they were thwarted by Australia’s counter-attack. Notably, the duo forged an unbeaten 55-run partnership for the ninth wicket.

“England thought they would get Cummins and Lyon with the old ball as well, but Australia stepped up with a counter-attack instead,” he added.

Harbhajan emphasized that Stokes should have opted for the new ball immediately after Carey’s dismissal. He noted that England now faces increased pressure, but based on their performance thus far, he believes they have the potential to make a strong comeback in the series.

“You never know with the new ball; he should have taken it after Carey was dismissed. By the time it was taken, both Cummins and Lyon were settled. Now the pressure will be on England, but the way they have played so far, I think they will come back strongly,” concluded the former cricketer.