Breezy Explainer: What is Bazball? All about the attacking style of cricket

If you are someone who has been following international cricket lately, you surely must have come across the term, ‘Bazball’. So, what is this? How did it start?

Former New Zealand captain and England’s new red ball coach Brendon McCullum is the originator of the word ‘Bazball.’

While playing this style of cricket, the player makes use of the attacking strategy in order to score as many runs and as quickly as possible. Baseball cricket is the term used when a player just attempts to score runs while attacking. However, since Brendon McCullum popularized this style of cricket and people lovingly addressed him as ‘Baz’, the term ‘Bazball’ came into existence.

England’s change of fortune under Bazball

McCullum accepted the position of England Test coach in May 2022. However, it didn’t take him long to inculcate his attacking mindset on a side that had won just once in their previous 17 matches in the format. With Brendon McCullum in charge, England’s first task was to take on New Zealand, the current World Test Championship champions. The manner in which England won the matches was more significant than the fact that they clinched the series 3-0 under his guidance.

To put the Kiwi bowlers under constant pressure throughout the matches, the English squad played a furious brand of cricket. The rescheduled game against India was no different.

In ‘Bazball’ cricket, the overarching message is to win at any cost. Since Test cricket is frequently criticized for being dull and drawn-out, McCullum’s England has made it a priority to play an exciting kind of cricket that is both aggressive and fast-paced.

In Test cricket, the trend of quick batting is emerging. In the fifth Test against England, Rishabh Pant batted similarly. Pant completed a 146-run, 111-ball inning. Pant played a key role in helping Team India get a high score. Fans, as well as cricket experts, enjoyed some ‘Bazball’ cricket from the Indian wicket-keeper batsman. At the moment it seems like England cricket’s Test woes have come to an end. Under the guidance of Brendon McCullum, England has won all 4 of the test matches the team has played.

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