Michael Clarke Slams England For ‘Bazball’ Friendly Ashes 2023 Tactics

image-lh4tpmefBen Stokes-led England pose with the trophy after winning 3-0 in Pakistan (Twitter)

Former Australian captain Michael Clarke has criticised England's apparent plans of using shorter boundaries for the upcoming 2023 Ashes. Over the past few months, several reports have indicated that the English cricket team, under Ben Stokes, want to play with shorter boundaries in order to capitalise on their 'Bazball' approach. 

The term 'Bazball' was coined by the media to describe England's aggressive and enterprising stroke play they have employed in Tests ever since Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum's induction as captain and coach of the side.


‘What a load of junk..’, Michael Clarke slams England's tactics

Under Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes, England's Test side has enjoyed stellar success in the format, winning 10 out of the 12 matches they have played so far. 

Employing their 'Bazball' template, they scripted maverick run-chase specials against New Zealand and India in four successive matches before defeating South Africa at home and hammering Pakistan 3-0 in an away series.

During this period, the English batters consistently maintained run rates of above 4.50 and, at times, even above six runs an over. The entire batting line-up, helmed by veterans Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow and Stokes himself, have launched 86 sixes in these matches, the most by any team during the same time frame.

With England apparently believing that shorter boundaries in the Ashes could further enhance their approach, former Australian captain Michael Clarke has rubbished the claims, stating that such tactics will not affect the outcome. While speaking on Sky Sports radio, he said:

“What a load of junk. Australian grounds are twice the size of England's grounds anyway. That's why there's less sixes from the Australian players. Bat at the MCG and you've got 90-metre boundaries, bat in England and you've got 60-metre boundaries. Who cares? Both teams have got to bat.”

The 2023 Ashes will commence with the opening Test at Birmingham’s Edgbaston Cricket Ground on June 16. The subsequent fixtures will be played at Lord’s, Headingley, Old Trafford and The Oval.