“Bazzball” – a reference to McCullum’s nickname – has revived England’s red ball fortunes
“Bazzball” – a reference to McCullum’s nickname – has revived England’s red ball fortunes
South Africa captain Dean Elgar says he Not Afraid of “Bazzball” As the Proteas under the leadership of Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum try to inflict their first Test defeat of the new era, England.
After a disappointing performance of just one win in 17 Tests, England have won four out of four under new captain Stokes and coach McCullum in the first match of their series against South Africa at Lord’s on Wednesday.
This included a 3–0 series win over world champions New Zealand, with England hunting down challenging goals on each occasion.
Stokes’ men then chased down a tight target of 378 runs against India in the Covid-delayed fifth Test at Edgbaston by seven wickets.
“Bazzball” – a reference to McCullum’s nickname – has revived England’s red-ball fortunes at a time of renewed debate about the future of the five-day game.
But there are questions over whether the ultra-aggressive approach can work in all circumstances, especially against a strong fast attack from South Africa.
“I’m not interested in the style he has played,” said Elgar. Guardian, “I think it can go one of two ways for them and it can go south very quickly… I want to see them do it against our fast bowlers.”
But great England bowler James Anderson, speaking at Lord’s on Monday, is confident that keeping a positive mindset will be the right thing for the team.
“I don’t think it has to come at all,” he said. “Now we know that we have the ability to chase anything and we have the ability to take wickets in any conditions.
He said, “If we keep playing with this entertaining mindset and also be smart with it, there may be times when we can’t go for leather with the bat and maybe we have to bear a little pressure. Time and just Be careful when we put pressure on the opposition.
“I think that’s the biggest lesson from the last four Tests we’ve played, that we can be smart at times.”
Both teams appear stronger in bowling rather than batting, however, with the flexible opener Elgar leading from the front, the Proteas have won seven out of nine Tests under his captaincy, while Keegan Pietersen’s form retired from the red ball. helped to compensate. Of talented shotmaker Quinton de Kock.
England expect in-form batsmen Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow to maintain their lucrative form this season.
South African pacer Kagiso Rabada is in doubt due to an ankle injury in the first match of the three-Test series.
“I hope he moves on,” said Proteas coach Mark Boucher. “Rabada is a big player for us as we all know that it will be very special for us to be a part of his playing XI.”
Boucher said that his men were getting the opportunity to write their names in Lord’s folklore.
“Seeing the reaction of the players going to Lord’s, a lot of passion and emotion is going well,” he said.
“They hopefully want to be a part of creating something special and be a legend in the game like so many cricketers have been in the past.”
England’s Anderson, the country’s all-time leading Test wicket-taker, is keen to leave despite his veteran status.
“To be honest, I’m itching to be back in the dressing room,” said the 40-year-old, who has played 172 Tests since making his debut in 2003.
“Those four Tests (against New Zealand and India) were incredible. Obviously what we did on the field was great, but the energy in the dressing room was fantastic.
“I’ve been in the England dressing room as much as I’ve been happy for many years, so the last five weeks I’ve been itching to be back there.”