Every now and then, you’ll find new cricketing terminologies and jargon that may have not existed a few years or decades ago. Take for instance, who knew there would be a reverse scoop shot 20 years ago?! And sometimes, these shots or approaches or strategies get named after the person who invested it, like the ‘Dilscoop’ introduced by Sri Lanka’s Tillakaratne Dilshan.
Today, we’re going to explain to you one of the latest concepts that has evolved in our great game of cricket, called ‘Bazball‘. If you haven’t heard it already, the term has been widely used ever since there was a change in management in English cricket in May 2022, as the person involved also brought about a completely different approach towards the game, especially in Test cricket.
What in Bazball?
Essentially, Bazball is nothing but an attacking and aggressive approach towards scoring runs, and keeping an attacking intent at all times. This strategy is even being used in Test cricket where players counter-attack even if they’ve witnessed a quick fall in wickets or a batting order collapse. The ultimate goal is also to win Test matches and never want to settle for a draw in the longest format.
The idea was brought about by none other than New Zealand’s Brendon McCullum who took over as England’s Test coach in May 2022. He doesn’t want to see his team playing conservative cricket in the longest format, and wants the team to adopt a better approach to scoring quick runs, which has in fact seen great results so far. England won against New Zealand 3-0 and then beat India in the 5th Test too.
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There’s been a clear change in attitude and body language in the English players, chasing a record 380 in the 4th innings against India, losing only 3 wickets in the process. They were 109/3 and could’ve easily played to save the game but they played counter-attacking cricket and scored a 250+ partnership with both of Jonny Bairstow and Joe Root scoring centuries to take them across the line.
Prior to that, England found themselves in trouble many times against the Kiwi pace attack but they kept the flow of runs coming. In the 3rd Test, England were 55/6 but they recovered with another 200+ partnership between Bairstow and debutant Jamie Overton, where they scored runs at 6+ runs per over. It’s been great to watch these players using Bazball, named after the great Baz McCullum.
Four Tests, four wins, four 250+ chases. This is BAZBALL. pic.twitter.com/HZ9SGFF0lg
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) July 5, 2022
Not just good for the players, Bazball has turned out to be great for Test cricket as well. In all of these last 4 Tests in England, there’s been a result and we haven’t seen any ‘boring’ cricket on display. There’s been intent at all times, and we think his approach will help get more viewers to the longest format of the game as well.
Crazy and unbelievable cricket from England. The first team in Test history to chase 250+ targets in four consecutive matches. 277, 296, 299 against New Zealand and now 378 against India. #BazBall
— Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) July 5, 2022
McCullum successfully used this tactic during his playing career and now we’re seeing him impart some wisdom to the English Test team as well. The underlying goal of Bazball is always to win at all costs, and everyone is loving this new brand of cricket on display. For similar cricket and sports news from around the world, stay tuned to ReadScoops.com…
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