Test cricket is undoubtedly the best format of the game. It has been the longest running format of the game and it continues to enthrall the audiences across globe. The rules like follow on, declaration add to the beauty of the game. While follow on is a decision which has certain limitations, declaration can be done by any team at any point of time.

Surprising declaration has been a part of the game since ages. At times these declarations are either termed as 'masterstroke' or 'foolish decision' . If a brave declaration goes in the team's favour declaring the innings, it's a masterstroke, but when it goes in the opponents favour, fans create an uproar calling it as a foolish decision.

The most funny experience of it is when a team declared on the very first ball of the match. It was a match where the batsmen hit the ball, which landed on a tree. And before the ball was brought to ground after cutting the tree, the batters had run a whopping 286 runs, which is a world record till this date. Having 286 runs on the board, the team declared on the first ball itself, with both the batters being taken on stretchers. This decision was termed as "foolish" by some. On another occasion, the declaration from Virat Kohli's led Indian team at Lord's in 2021 was a masterstroke which helped India pull out a historic win.

However the declaration we are talking about is the one which happened yesterday. The longest running rivalry in the game- "The Ashes" began yesterday. No matter what , Ashes is always in limelight. However, it came to limelight yesterday for the approach by England and the declaration. The English batters stuck to the Bazball approach which they have been following since Brendon McCullum took over as the English Coach.

Making the things super clear right on the first ball, English batters launched an attack on Aussie bowlers. The pitch did favour them a little, but they answered the popular question of "Will bazball be successful against Aussies?" The English batters also showed India on how to tackle Aussie bowlers, who rattled Indian lineup in WTC final. The approach has changed so drastically for England in past 2 years, that one saw Joe Root reverse scooping the ball for a boundary, which no one ever imagined in their dreams.

However, when everything was going fair, the sudden declaration from England on the very first day rolled a few eyeballs. Having scored 393 runs, and still with 2 wickets in hand , the declaration seemed to be a brave, but an awful call. Because when you have time, you can bat for long duration without having significant effect on the match. And in this case, there was plenty of time.

The thought process of England was definitely to put the Aussie batters to bat for the last half an hour, and possibly get a couple of breakthroughs. The decision clearly backfired as the Aussies didn't lose any wicket. They were patient and they knew what they were doing. Now today, England has a task of bowling out Aussies on a fresh day, and if it doesn't happen, the declaration will be termed as "foolish" .

The Aussies are in great touch, having played exceptionally well and having defeated India in WTC final. And on a wicket like this , there are chances that Aussies might score well. If it happens or not, only time will tell. But considering all these factors, I believe the declaration from England is a brave decision, but is far from being called a "tactical masterstroke". But nevertheless , loved the approach of English team under Ben Stokes. What are your thoughts on the same ?