Former Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara criticised England’s approach following Ben Stokes’ shock retirement announcement, describing the team’s tactics as “chaotic” after New Zealand wrapped up victory in the third Test and completed the series win.
England’s decision to send Stokes to open the batting in pursuit of 373, followed by an aggressive approach that saw wickets tumble, drew criticism from several former players after the hosts lost both the match and the series.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Sangakkara said England’s approach lacked the structure that had previously characterised the “Bazball” era.
“I enjoyed the way they started as a regime. They played positive cricket and had a method to their madness,” Sangakkara said.
“But today it didn’t feel like that. It just felt like it was all about them trying to play a few shots. This wasn’t just frenetic — this was chaos.”
Sangakkara questioned the decision to reshuffle the batting order, saying it also affected debutant Emilio Gay.
“The focus shifted from everything again right into the centre of Ben Stokes. Where does Emilio Gay fit in now? What’s the message given to him?” he said.
He also felt New Zealand’s performance had been overshadowed by the retirement announcement.
“Where’s the appreciation for New Zealand in all of this? Are they forgotten?” Sangakkara said, while praising Daryl Mitchell’s fighting century and New Zealand’s determination despite injuries to key players.
Despite his criticism of England’s tactics, Sangakkara paid tribute to Stokes’ career.
“He has been brilliant for England, a brilliant captain, a brilliant leader and an incredible match-winner. He changed England’s attitude, leaves a very strong and inspiring legacy, and deserves a lot of credit, appreciation and love for what he has contributed to English cricket,” he said. (Newswire)