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England’s new ‘bazball’ style of play has currently positioned them as one of the most aggressive teams in the Test cricket arena. It is worth mentioning that ever since adopting this attacking brand of cricket, the English team has lost only four of their last 18 Test matches.
The emergence of England’s bazball style of play:
The bazball era for England began after the former New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum took over as the head coach of the English team in the Test format, and Ben Stokes replaced Joe Root as the side’s skipper. The duo of McCullum and Stokes has ever since been making waves in the longest format of cricket.
The triumphs and debates:
England recently made a strong statement with the same bazball approach when they drew the Ashes 2023 series against arch-rivals Australia. Although many are hailing England for transforming the longest format of the game, some also think that bazball won’t help England win matches consistently in the long run.
Also READ: England announces a 15-man provisional squad for the ODI World Cup 2023
Ashwin’s candid take:
India’s veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who’s often known to express his views candidly, has revealed his take on England’s new style of play in Test cricket as well.
Ashwin admitted liking the English side’s aggressive approach and expressed his excitement to witness it on the field next year when England tours India for a five-match series. The Tamil Nadu cricketer even spoke about England’s success in recent years and appreciated the side for their determination.
“England are playing a very exciting brand of cricket that has excited a lot of people around the world. On the other hand, we have been extremely consistent and successful in recent years,” Ashwin was quoted as saying by India Today.
“I cannot wait for them to come here and I don’t think they are going to take one foot backward, they will continue to play the way they play. It wouldn’t be an overstatement if I say that England is possibly the team to beat at this point of time,” he added.