After England lost the Ashes in just 11 days and dropped three straight games to lose the series, head coach Brendon McCullum has been under intense criticism. Despite the much-discussed Bazball strategy, they have only won a few of the eight games in the current World Test Championship (WTC) cycle after drawing 2-2 in a five-match series at home against India prior to the Ashes.
McCullum’s innovative style of aggressively playing every Test match with the goal of getting a result led to the development of bazball. However, McCullum, affectionately known as Baz, has stepped up to clarify what Bazball is really about when it comes to Tests as England continues to fail with this style of play.
“Scoring rates have never been the focus of the style. We have never declared that we will attempt to score at 5.5-6 per over. In order to recognise risk, where the game is at, and what is needed, it’s about enabling us to enter a state of mind where we are transparent, clear, and fully engaged in the circumstance and the moment,” McCullum clarified.
It comes down to trying to get the most out of individuals and do what you can with them, in my opinion. It is up to others to make those other decisions. We’ve come a long way since I took charge, I believe,” he continued.
In fact, England’s performance has been so poor that supporters and cricket commentators have suggested McCullum be fired from his leadership position with The Three Lions. The 44-year-old responds that the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has the authority to decide the team’s future when asked about any insecurities he could be experiencing.
“I’m not sure. I mean, it’s not really up to me? I’ll just keep attempting to complete the task, absorb the lessons I haven’t yet grasped, and make the necessary corrections. I’m not the person asking such enquiries. It’s a respectable job. It’s enjoyable.
According to McCullum, “You go around the world with the guys, try to play some exciting cricket, and try to accomplish some things.”
For the fourth time in a row, the Ben Stokes-led team will not be making it to the WTC Final in 2027 if the Englishmen are ousted from the competition. They are currently ranked eighth, only ahead of Bangladesh and the West Indies, following their defeat in the third Ashes match.
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