It’s way too hyperbolic isn’t it. I think it speaks to conservative culture that still permeates English cricket.
They’ve let a few tests slide recently but if they developed a ruthless edge they’d essentially be the best team in the world. I don’t think that’s a normal expectation of a side that won 1 of 17 tests prior to the change of captain.
Learning how to temper their urges and adjust is a part of the growth of this team. But that’s the key, they have to learn from it. I think that’s why every gets so aggravated, they think Stokes and McCullum are idealists who will never change. All the soundbites from the players don’t help that feeling too but I think a lot of that is misdirection. Stokes is one of the smartest players this country has ever had. He’ll figure out, he always does.
Yes, definitely some silly quotes from the players at times doesn't help, but just reading the situation and understanding the state of the game is where they are failing. 207/2 after Ducketts brilliance got them there, new day India wary of an onslaught bat the day at 3/4 runs an over then punish the bowlers when they are tired. I don't believe they go out there wanting to smack everyball to the boundary, as Stokes has said many times its having the clarity to play your way without fear of criticism or losing your place, it fits in with trying to make test cricket more exciting and watchable ,Stokes quite often plays himself in before he unleashes.
Give me this way of playing any day, those of us who remember the 90s with negative tactics trying not to lose, Stokes has totally transformed it, he's a brilliant captain and leader,the next game is huge, it's how you bounce back that's important.