The Test series between India and England is set to commence on January 25 in Hyderabad. AB de Villiers is optimistic about England’s approach in the upcoming five-match Test series against India. The ‘Bazball’ philosophy, adopted under Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum, involves playing an aggressive style of cricket in the longest format.
Despite scepticism from some former cricketers about its effectiveness in India’s spin-friendly conditions, de Villiers expects England to perform well. He cites an example from South Africa’s second Test against India in Newlands, emphasizing that an attacking brand of cricket can succeed in challenging conditions, as seen with Aiden Markram.
“I feel Bazball, or any attacking brand of cricket in Indian conditions will work very well. It can work in any rough conditions. In the Newlands with the ball moving around, who scored? Aiden Markram and a few Indian batters who took the attack to the opposition. Players who are conservative generally struggle,” de Villiers said on his YouTube channel.
My friendship with Kohli means a lot to me: AB de Villiers
Star Indian batsman Virat Kohli will be absent from the first two Tests against England due to personal reasons. This absence is a significant setback for the home team, as the 35-year-old has been a crucial asset in India’s red-ball cricket.
AB de Villiers, commenting on the situation, mentioned that he is unaware of the specific reason behind Kohli’s decision, and even if he learns it, he won’t disclose it, emphasizing the importance of his friendship with the Indian star.
“No one knows what has happened yet. I am sure we will get to know soon. If Virat talks about personal reasons, there must be a very good reason for that. Maybe he is also tired. He has been playing a lot of cricket. Could be family stuff. I will find out soon but I won’t tell you guys. His friendship is too important to me,” AB de Villiers concluded.
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