The new cricketing strategy by England under McCullum and Stokes has made a buzz in the cricketing fraternity, especially among commentators, pundits, and social media, finally being given the name ‘BazBall.’
What is Bazball?
With Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes using the “Bazball” move to modify their playing style in the red-ball format of the game, the England cricket team has redefined itself in Test cricket
In the 5th Test, which was rescheduled to take place at Edgbaston, England put this strategy of game into play
“Bazball” is the no-holds-barred strategy that prioritizes freedom of speech and a win-at-all-costs approach. English cricketers have adopted an aggressive style of the game during the past few months. Brendon McCullum, the Kiwi head coach of England who goes by the title “Baz,” inspired the name.
The fourth-highest run-scorer for New Zealand in the format, McCullum was famous for his effective attacking style of batting in Tests, which won him several laurels.
Now that he has taken on his first test coaching position in cricket, the 40-year-old is refining it, and he appears to have ingrained his own philosophy into the England team
There are seven fundamental principles attached to it — first being a less reflective environment, followed by no negative chat, a win-at-all-costs mentality, no failure fear, praise – even for the little things, simplicity of the message, and embracing mental freedom and fun. The English team has enthusiastically embraced each of these ideas, and experts believe that under Ben Stokes, they have a captain whose outlook matches that of McCullum.
What was the team’s state before this?
England was staring down the barrel with just one victory in their previous 17 Test matches. The of all was the 4-0 Ashes loss against Australia last year. The team had reached its lowest point, and a number of changes were made, including the appointment of McCullum as their coach and a new captain, Stokes. The reign of the Stokes-McCullum partnership began when all-rounder Ben Stokes took over from Joe Root.
In all three of their Test matches against the Kiwis, the team successfully grabbed goals and won the series 3-0.
This new technique of playing cricket by England under McCullum and Stokes quickly gained popularity among cricket fans, especially among broadcasters, analysts, and social media user eventually earning the term “BazBall.”
What does other players have to say?
Giving a glimpse into the BazBall strategy, after Trent Bridge, Stokes acknowledged: “There was no way we were going to settle for a draw.”
Stuart Broad reportedly admitted: “There’s no doubt Baz has had an impact already. It’s a very positive language in the changing room. It’s quite futuristic. It’s all about how to advance the game.”
Even at tea (on the final day), four down with the game in the balance, I’ve been in changing rooms in the past when it would be shut up shop time This is not meant to be an insult. Baz’s team talk was very much, ‘Let’s rush toward the danger,’and ‘Every thought of your mind is going for this win’. Whoever is to come, the changing room has has full belief you can get the win,” said stokes.
The first two principles of “Bazball” were also discussed by Broad, who said: “It seems incredibly new and exciting in the changing room. It’s becoming a little less reflective”.
What we would do now to improve our circumstances was more important than “what could we have done better on day one.
Dravid Shares his insights on ‘Bazball’
Rahul Dravid, the current head coach of India, talked about “Bazball” in the news conference held after his team’s defeat by England. “What BazBall is, I have no idea. The style of cricket you you play relies on your players and their form. The cricket they played for four Tests, chasing like this in the fourth innings, doesn’t happen often in this country. If your cricket team is in good shape, you can play positively “said Dravid.
