The English squad invented the term “bazball.” It highlights the exciting and aggressive style of cricket that England will play in Test matches under new coach Brendon McCullum. When he was playing, McCullum, known as Baz, used to bat similarly, attacking the bowlers, scoring runs, and increasing their workload. The New Zealand Test squad achieved greater heights while he served as captain. He flourished as captain because it improved his batting.
The similar strategy was used by McCullum in his first Test series as head coach of the England men’s team against New Zealand. After the hosts defeated the Black Caps 3-0, the “Bazball” discussions intensified. Captain Stokes and Jonny Bairstow scored over 150 runs in 16 overs to chase down a total in the second innings of the second Test. That was “Bazball” cricket, which Stokes indicated they will play in both the current Test against India and any upcoming Tests.
“Pant came out to play a bit of Bazball as everyone keeps calling it. When you have a bit of moisture in the pitch early on, you have a chance to take early wickets, which is what we did. We’re going against the grain of much of the cricket that’s been played over the last 100 years… We are trying to play as positive as possible, and play entertaining cricket. Ben (Stokes) is not going to take a backwards step,” Collingwood had said.
