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'BazBall Seems Higher-Risk, But...': Former England Captain Opens Up After Edgbaston Loss

image-ljcet4c7Ben Stokes and Ben McCullum have revied England's Test cricket [Source: Twitter]

England's 'BazBall' approach has captivated audiences and players alike, even if the opinion on the idea is polarised. Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum have instilled new life into England's Test format, which had been going nowhere, while getting desired results as well, having won 11 of their last 13 Tests, before The Ashes 2023.

However, Australia got the better of England in the first Test at Edgbaston, once again raising doubt over the sustainability of BazBall. Former England captain Andrew Strauss, under whom the Three Lions blossomed, has backed McCullum and Stokes' idea of playing aggressive cricket.

Speaking to The Telegraph, Strauss, who is one of three England captains to claim an Ashes series both home and away, explained that there is more to BazBall than just aggression. 


Here's what Strauss said

"What they’ve done is no mean feat. They have converted the players to a radical approach. On the surface, it’s a much higher risk. In truth, I don’t think it is. The reason it’s so confronting to people is that there have been these self-limiting conventions in Test cricket for over 150 years. But with the skills, the players have now, and with a flat pitch and tired bowlers, you should be whacking it. The odds are in your favour."

Strauss, who was also the England and Wales Cricket Board's (ECB) Director of Cricket between 2015 and 2018, dwelled upon how playing style is as important as winning and how combining both is a magical formula. 

England are currently 0-1 down in the ongoing Ashes and will look to strike back in the second Test, which starts on June 28 at The Lord's.