'Credit to Cummins for taking this route, but more importantly, persisting with it' - AB de Villiers lauds short-ball tactics of Australia

Day 2 of the second Ashes Test was full of ups and downs for both Australia and England. After the Australians clinched a thrilling victory in the first Test by just two wickets, they followed it up with a sensational batting performance on Day 2 of the second Test.

Coming in to bat first after losing the toss, Australia posted 416 runs on the board in the first innings. However, as England looked to reply in kind, the ‘Bazball’ approach was in full flow as the hosts got off to a thunderous start as Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett provided the side with just the start that they needed.

Crawley scored 48 runs in 48 balls before he was dismissed by Nathan Lyon in the 18th over. Duckett stabilized England’s innings after the first wicket; the opener scored 98 runs in 134 deliveries.

As the English batters looked set on the crease, it took a masterclass of strategy to provide Australia with a big breakthrough. Skipper Pat Cummins, along with the other pacers, launched a flurry of bouncers that resulted in quick wickets for the set batters.

Ollie Pope was sent back to the pavilion for 42 runs in 63 deliveries in the 39th over; Duckett was dismissed for 98 runs in 134 balls by Josh Hazlewood in the 43rd over; and Joe Root was sent packing for just 10 runs by Mitchell Starc in the 46th over.

Seeing the brilliant short-ball tactic from the Aussies, former South African cricketer AB de Villiers took to Twitter to heap massive praise on Pat Cummins and his ‘smart cricket’. 

"When a fast bowler, who’s also the captain and can hold the bat himself, realises that no one is fully in control or comfortable against the short ball. Even the best in the world feel uncomfortable to quality short bowling to the right field placing," AB de Villiers tweeted.

"Credit to Cummins for taking this route, but more importantly, persisting with it. Aus have opened it up here while Eng looked like dominating procedures. Smart Cricket. Very entertaining. And bear in mind, this pitch is fairly low and slow! Imagine," he added.

And bear in mind, this pitch is fairly low and slow! Imagine…

— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) June 29, 2023