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In the inaugural match of England’s ongoing tour to India, the spotlight firmly rose on the famed ‘bazball’ technique that had been a linchpin of the Englishmen’s success in red-ball campaigns. Anticipation ran high as fans and experts alike awaited a display of this unique approach. However, to everyone’s surprise, the unfolding events took a sharp turn as the Indian bowling attack executed a masterclass, thoroughly outclassing the visitors’ batting lineup.
The much-talked-about ‘bazball’ technique, expected to be the defining factor, turned out to be a flop show in the face of the relentless Indian bowlers. Their skilful and strategic onslaught neutralized the peculiar slant and firmly established their dominance on the cricket field.
England’s struggles with the willow
Batting first, England witnessed a strong performance, with Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett establishing a promising 55-run partnership for the opening wicket. However, the Indian spinners swiftly turned the tide, causing a sudden collapse as England found themselves at 60/3. Despite the setbacks, Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow managed to stabilize the innings, yet their departures disrupted any building momentum.
As England struggled at 155/7, Ben Stokes and debutant Tom Hartley showcased resilience, contributing a crucial 38-run partnership for the eighth wicket until Hartley’s dismissal at 23. Mark Wood offered commendable support to his captain but was eventually dismissed for 11. The skipper, exhibiting flair, played some exceptional shots, securing a well-deserved fifty before being bowled over at 70. Despite Stokes’ valiant effort, the Three Lions concluded their innings at 246, reflecting a mix of promising partnerships and challenging setbacks.
Twitter flurries with memes
As England grappled with an intensified struggle in their batting innings, the online realm of Twitter witnessed a surge of memes, with users mercilessly taking on the English side for the apparent faltering of their much-hyped Bazball technique. The platform became a virtual arena where cricket enthusiasts showcased their wit and humour, using memes to playfully critique the team’s performance.
Also WATCH: Fans express their love for Virat Kohli; chant ‘Kohli-Kohli’ at Hyderabad – IND vs ENG, 1st Test
Here is how Twitter reacted:
Bazball against Pakistan only I believe 🤣🤣 #INDvENG #tomhartley #BenStokes
— Randeep88 (@Rickbaruah) January 25, 2024
Bazball has arrived here in India
But it’s over for England— Barath (@barathg_) January 25, 2024
If we play to our potential, we're going to eat and defecate Bazball within 3 days.
— Schrupert (@Youteecrush) January 25, 2024
Aao baccho tumhe sikhaye bazball..
— Som Vardhan (@vardhan_som) January 25, 2024
You are watching Bazball in India.😍😉#BaseBall #ENGvsIND pic.twitter.com/3MHCN9xpBG
— Sa HiB (LQ) (@MohammadArfatM2) January 25, 2024
RIP Bazball!!
Bazball Started – 2022 (By Brendon McCullum)
Bazball Ended – 2024 (By India)Ashwin Jaddu Axar🔥#INDvsENG pic.twitter.com/RPWNkCycfe
— Cartoon Cricket Council (@cccseries) January 25, 2024
England – we are going to play bazball
India meanwhile#INDvsENG pic.twitter.com/9bK4lel22W— Tejas kaushik (@Tejaskaushik9) January 25, 2024
Bazball is stupid. It’s a lazy approach, staying tough & patient wins any contest in any sport.
— WAInvest (@invest_wa) January 25, 2024
Bazball pic.twitter.com/GD7eE5Z5AN
— Umang (@The_Solankii) January 25, 2024
Bazball committed English Batsman hits 4 sixes in an Inning of 64.3 overs long.
Meanwhile Jaiswal alone hits 2 sixes in the second over of the inning itself.— Ashutosh Singh (@kashutosh845) January 25, 2024