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Bazball battles identity crisis; will England crack tough Aussie nut or turn into Ashes?

Debashis Sarangi

England and Australia captains with The Ashes [Source: AFP]England and Australia captains with The Ashes [Source: AFP]

The Australian shores have been warm and welcoming, but the winds of an iconic sporting rivalry are blowing through. From pushing nasty headlines to preparing a green mamba for the opening clash, Australia have got England grooving to the pre-Ashes vibes with typical antics. The Perth Stadium, which has witnessed four Australian victories in five Tests, is searching for a new victim — but England claim they're more prepared than ever.

Well, the English claims have been successfully refuted several times Down Under. 13 defeats in the last fifteen games sum up England's horrendous Ashes run on Aussie soil, with their previous win dating back to 2011. Precisely, it was the time when Facebook ruled the social media and Virat Kohli hadn't opened his century tally in Test cricket!

Blessed is the man who knows his own weakness. Although England appear confident, they must be aware of their misery on Australian soil since their historic Ashes triumph in 2010-11. But the English side of 2025 plays cricket a bit differently. Bazball, as they call it, has the potential to give them a push to conquer their final frontier. But what if things go the other way? 

Ashes 2025-26: Bazball’s best chance to resolve identity crisis

Audacious scoops, disdainful slog sweeps, cheeky uppercuts and a mix of certain other things, most notably unorthodox tactics and field placements, form the basic foundation of Bazball. It's a method England envisioned to revive their Test fortunes after Brendon McCullum's shrewd tactics collaborated with Ben Stokes, the risk-taker. 

Together, they discovered a bold and aggressive way of playing cricket, something the West Indies of the 70s and Australia of the 2000s had previously done. Nevertheless, it was undoubtedly unique for England, a team that has methodically followed the cricketing rule books like its sole guardian.

Strategically, Bazball suits England's new-age stroke-makers who rose to prominence post-2015 following the revolution of white-ball cricket. The results speak volumes for the impact of Bazball, with England not only winning 17 out of 25 home games but also registering historic victories in Pakistan and New Zealand. 

England have made enough claims of revolutionising the purest format with smart ploys and unorthodoxy in team selections as well as game-play. 

But is there any point in having such weapons that can't haunt arch-rivals? So, although England have proved their mettle at home and across drastically different away conditions, Bazball needs to conquer Australia to pass the ultimate eye-test. 

From surprising debuts to tough Aussie spirit: Factors that can defy Bazball

Fortune favours the brave, and England are brave enough. Luck seems to be on the visitors' side to start with, as Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood have already been ruled out of the Perth Test. But what makes a tale interesting is a twist, and the unforeseen debuts of Jake Weatherald and Brendan Doggett could just be the puzzle that England have no idea about. 

Additionally, despite not having two potent pace options in their arsenal, Australia can never be underestimated in their backyard. 

Although the Australian team of 2010-11 was under transition, the English side, led by Andrew Strauss, persisted with its strategies and clinched probably the biggest Ashes triumph in England's history. And while Bazball promises to unsettle Australia with its flamboyance, a minor chink in the armour can turn their ambitious goals into embarrassment. 

It's crucial from England's perspective to understand that more than their assets, the urge to retain the urn and the zeal to win keep the Australians going. So, to break their Ashes rut Down Under, England must not only try to execute their plans but also answer the Aussies in their own language. 

Make or break: The Ashes alarm rings for England

In an era when Test cricket is celebrated for its slow-paced, dramatic unfoldings, Bazball has reintroduced refreshing energy that resonates with the modern audience. However, at the end of the day, it's victory that eventually matters. And when it comes to a rivalry that has amazed fans since time immemorial, only an Ashes win in Australia will authorise Bazball as a means of cricketing revolution. 

Prove or perish: the loud and clear message should silently echo in the English dressing room throughout the Ashes. It's a matter of make or break, as another defeat in Australia will not only tarnish the English legacy but also reduce the Bazball to ashes in cricketing folklore.