NEW captain, new coach. But it's the same old England.
The basic flaws, fragility and inability to handle even the slightest pressure are the same.
England lost to New Zealand under Ben Stokes, the new captain
England defeated their opponent before falling apart with the bat
After talking the talk, England and Ben Stokes walked the field together. However, England's all too familiar fall with the bat brought a hushed roar to replace the exuberant babble at Lord's.
After a day that started well for Stokes, Brendon McCullum, the First Test ended in a shambolic hour.
Even skipper Stokes who set the tone for play after the Joe Root captaincy began was unable not to be part of the procession back towards the pavilion.
But, Stokes's new order was a signal of a fresh approach to ending the recent atrophy.
Stokes was the center of everything, from the toss to wearing Graham Thorpe’s name and cap number 564 in tribute to the former England middle order batsman to his position at extra cover instead of his usual position in the cordon.
Between balls, the Durham ace was listening to the bowlers and thinking quickly.
It helped, of course, that the old guard (in the form Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad) and the new debut-making Matt Potts bowled with such precision, pace, and menace that New Zealand was left horribly lacking as they were dismissed for 132 prior to tea.
McCullum was his predecessor at the helm, and Stokes was responsible for the mentality, attitude, and controlled aggression.
He could feel the excitement, and be first to celebrate Potts' dream debut.
Root was a subdued and weather-beaten character in the Caribbean. He second-guessed himself and allowed the first two Tests too slow to progress. Stokes, however, brought his aggressive philosophy to the job.
England had six slips as wickets fell, which indicated Stokes' determination and will to take the initiative.
When Colin de Grandhomme and Tim Southee attempted a counter-attack after lunch, there was no panic.
Stokes calm response helped him to take the final wicket after replacing Potts, a cramp victim, in 10 balls.
The loss of six wickets to 25 runs in nine overs was yet another sign of deeper problems than England's mind.
More Information on Looking for a Duck
McCullum or Stokes may change your mentality, but cricket still requires technique.
This takes months and not just days. This suggests that there could be many more changes needed to reach this goal.
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