'They live rent-free in opposition’s mind' - Kevin Pietersen backs Bazball after England's loss in Vizag Test

Kevin Pietersen, the former England batter, has offered his perspective on England's performance. He emphasized that the team persists in dominating the thoughts of their adversaries, despite the Ben Stokes-led side conceding to a defeat in just four days in Visakhapatnam.

While acknowledging England's loss, Pietersen commended their assertive cricket tactics, which sowed seeds of uncertainty in the minds of their opponents.

“The way they’ve been playing their cricket, they have given themselves the opportunity to live almost rent-free on the opposition’s mind. Because they (opposition) are always thinking ‘what if’,” remarked Pietersen on Monday, as quoted by Inside Sports, reflecting on England's distinctive playing style that keeps the rivals on edge.

However, the narrative took a turn as England altered their strategy in the face of adversity during the fourth day's opening session. Pietersen acknowledged the shift in England's Bazball approach, attributing it to the loss the loss of a few wickets quickly. Despite the change in tactics, England couldn't reverse the course of the game, with Rohit Sharma's India dominating both the batting and bowling fronts.

"England played a more conservative brand of cricket once they lost a few wickets. All in all, it was a brilliant test match, on a magnificent cricketing surface. We hope we get wickets like these in the remaining test matches. Because when the batters get a chance to score, bowlers get a chance to take wickets," added Pietersen, praising the Vishakhapatnam pitch for offering an even playing field without favoring either batters or bowlers.

Coming to the match, India secured a 106-run victory, thanks to Yashasvi Jaiswal's outstanding double century, coupled with the exceptional performance of Jasprit Bumrah, who claimed nine wickets. Bumrah earned the well-deserved Man of the Match title for his brilliant contribution to the game.

I don't look at numbers: Jasprit Bumrah 

In a post-match statement, Bumrah shared his evolved perspective on statistics, expressing that he no longer focuses on numbers. He also revealed that the yorker is the first kind of delivery he learnt, inspired by cricket legends such as Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis and Zaheer Khan.

“As I said before, I don't look at numbers. As a youngster I did that and it made me excited. But now it's an added baggage. As a youngster that is the first delivery I learned (yorker). Had seen the legends of the game. Waqar, Wasim and even Zaheer Khan. We're going through a transition so I feel it's my responsibility to help them in any way I can. We discuss certain things. Have been playing with him for a long period of time (Rohit). No not really (competition with Jimmy?). Before a cricketer, I'm a fast bowling fan. If somebody's doing well, kudos to them. I look at the situation, at the wicket and think what are my options. I should not be a one-trick pony,” Bumrah said.