India, July 9 -- Not too long ago, winning the toss and batting was the norm. Notwithstanding overhead conditions, soil texture or the roller type used, it is generally accepted that the pitch stays good for batting till the third day before it starts leaning towards the bowlers. Basically, risk batting till the third innings but definitely not in the fourth. In England though, Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum have ripped out that page from the pitch preparation manual with largely favourable results - 16 wins, 5 defeats and one draw - since they joined forces in June, 2022.

Seven of those wins came after England chose to bowl. In each of the five Tests England lost the toss and were asked to bowl, they won. So convinced was Stokes about ...