Ashes 2013-14: Ben Stokes eyes ‘big’ England score after tough day two

Ben Stokes admits England need to post a big score after the tourists were left needing 335 runs to avoid the follow-on on a tough day two in Adelaide.

England were made to pay for failing to dismiss Brad Haddin (118) at the end of day one as the Australian wicket-keeper and Michael Clarke (148) helped the hosts post a formidable first innings score of 570-9 declared.

It is still a very good batting wicket and hopefully we can capitalise on it

Ben Stokes

And England made an inconspicuous start to their innings as Alastair Cook was clean bowled by Mitchell Johnson for three runs, leaving the tourists needing 335 runs to avoid the follow-on.

“It has been a pretty tough two days but it has been nice to eventually get off the pitch and concentrate on what we need to do with the bat,” Stokes told Sky Sports.

“We have now got to go out there and do what we can do. There is a lot of talent in the batting line-up and we know we have the skills to do it and put on a big score ourselves.

“The pitch hasn’t really broken up the way we thought with it being so dry. It is still a very good batting wicket and hopefully we can capitalise on it.”

However, on a positive note, Stokes was thrilled to take his first Test wicket after dismissing Australia captain Clarke before removing Peter Siddle later in the innings.

“It was the pitch to be honest. It was a very special moment and something I will never forget,” added Stokes.

“It is my first Test wicket so it is a very proud moment.”