T20 World Cup: How worried should India be about their Super 8 opponents

The Ashes are back. And what a start it's been.

Ben Stokes, displaying the audacious strokeplay that defines his captaincy, blazed a magnificent century on the opening day of the first Ashes Test at Edgbaston. His innings, a whirlwind of boundaries and breathtaking audacity, propelled England to a commanding position after winning the toss and electing to bat. The score at the close of play read 392 for 7, a declaration that signaled England's intent to seize the initiative from the outset.

It was a day dominated by England's aggressive, front-foot play. While Zak Crawley set the tone with a rapid-fire 61, and Joe Root contributed a classy 84, it was Stokes' 112 that truly captivated the crowd. Was it a calculated risk to declare so early? Only time will tell, but it's a bold move. Good length deliveries proved hard to come by, as England's batters sought to disrupt the Australian bowlers' rhythm.

The Australian bowling attack, spearheaded by Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, initially struggled to contain England's scoring rate. There were moments of brilliance, particularly from Nathan Lyon, who extracted appreciable turn from the surface. The Australians bowled well in patches, but failed to maintain sustained pressure. Cummins, in particular, would have hoped for a better return after his decision to bowl first.

Stokes' innings was a masterclass in controlled aggression. He targeted the short ball with disdain, dispatching it repeatedly to the boundary. And his drives through the covers, textbook technique personified, were a sight to behold. He even reverse swept Lyon for six. It was a display of pure cricketing theatre, demonstrating both power and precision. One has to wonder, however, if it was a little too reckless.

This Edgbaston pitch, traditionally known for its pace and bounce, offered something for both batsmen and bowlers. While the Australian seamers found some movement early on, the conditions generally favoured aggressive batting. It certainly wasn't a day for playing with soft hands; a more assertive approach was required, and England’s batsmen duly obliged.

The declaration has added an extra layer of intrigue. Will the Australian batsmen be able to withstand the pressure of an early assault from the English bowlers? Can England extract enough swing and seam movement to trouble the Australian top order? The corridor of uncertainty will be a key area. The first hour of tomorrow's play promises to be compelling viewing.

This aggressive declaration by Ben Stokes is a clear signal of intent. He is looking to put Australia under pressure. Australia will need to bat well and show resilience to get back into this match. This Test could set the tone for the rest of the series. And in crunch time, who will come out on top?

The remainder of the series promises more captivating cricket, with both teams eager to claim the coveted urn. The Aussies are on the back foot. But this is only day one.