'I don't really like that silly term'- England Test coach Brendon McCullum rubbishes 'Bazball' hype

England’s new Test coach Brendon McCullum has come forward and said that there is absolutely no need of giving undue importance to the term ‘Bazball.’ He also reacted to Australian batting mainstay Steve Smith’s comments on the English batters’ potential. Notably, England’s positive and fearless approach to red-ball cricket has been famously termed ‘Bazball’ ever since McCullum and star all-rounder Ben Stokes have been at the helm of affairs. Their tenure got underway with the three Test home series against New Zealand last month.

After whitewashing the Kiwis 3-0, the Three Lions recently trounced India by seven wickets in the rescheduled fifth Test match at Edgbaston to level the series 2-2 where they registered their highest-ever chase in Test cricket history as centuries from Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow helped them get the job done.

However, Steve Smith didn’t seem entirely convinced with the ‘Bazball’ tactic as he questioned whether the English batters will continue to bat the same way against the Australian bowling attack comprising Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood on a green top wicket. Reacting to Smith’s comments, McCullum admitted excelling with such fearless approach would be challenging.

I don’t have any idea what Bazball is: Brendon McCullum

“No, I don’t have any idea what Bazball is, having a bit of a go, but the boys have been fantastic, couldn’t have asked for a better start really. I’m sure that our guys will try and still maintain a really positive approach. I think the real key is not just the crash and burn if we look at the approach of how the guys have done it. That’s why I don’t really like that silly term that people are throwing out there, because there’s actually quite a bit of thought that goes into how the guys manufacture their performances and when they put pressure on bowlers and which bowlers, they put pressure on. There’s also times where they’ve absorbed pressure beautifully as well,” said McCullum while speaking to Adam Gilchrist on SEN WA Breakfast.

“I saw those (comments) flick up on one of the feeds somewhere. It’s quite right, it is going to be a big challenge when we take on Australia. It’s going to challenge our method and it’s going to challenge what we’re capable of achieving and that’s pretty exciting I reckon. Isn’t that what the game’s all about? Is to sort of reinvigorate yourself and then be confronted against the very best,” he added.

Ever since the appointment of Brendon McCullum as England’s red-ball coach and Ben Stokes as captain, the Three Lions have gone on to win all of the four Tests that they have played in the last couple of months. The formula has so far turned out to be fruitful, but it remains to be seen whether the English team will be able to handle tough challenges on Pakistan soil later in the year.