Since Brendon McCullum took over as England’s Test coach, the side clean-sweeped New Zealand 3-0 at home and then went on to win the fifth rescheduled Test against India, thus drawing the series 2-2.
In both the contests, what stood out was the aggressive brand of cricket that England displayed. Against India, England registered their highest successful chase ever in Tests of 378 runs. This aggressive brand of cricket has been called ‘Bazball’, derived from McCullum’s nickname Baz as he too played the same aggressive brand of cricket during his playing days.
However, Indian cricket team spinner Ashwin has said that players ‘need to be careful about this brand of cricket.’
“It was amazing to watch, but as a bowler it is quite scary to think where the game is headed,” he said on the Vaughany and Tuffers Cricket Club podcast. “I definitely think the ball and the pitches have a role to play in how England are playing, permitting a certain brand of cricket.
“I think we need to be careful about this brand of cricket being the way forward. Test cricket has been the same for hundreds of years and there will be games and series that are played like that. Whether it’s the same brand of cricket you play all along is very debatable.”
