Former England cricketer Michael Vaughan heavily criticized the Ben Stokes-led team’s ‘Bazball’ strategy following their dismal performance in the recently concluded third Test against India in Rajkot. India secured their most significant Test victory on Sunday, defeating England by 434 runs. In pursuit of a daunting target of 557, England collapsed to 122 all out in their second innings.
Prior to England’s batting collapse on Day 4, Vaughan highlighted that their ‘Bazball’ approach was ill-suited to Indian conditions. He had forewarned that England could face unprecedented humiliation in the ‘Bazball’ era, a prediction that was fulfilled before India sealed the victory in the final session. Vaughan also took to social media to emphasize his observations.
Vaughan said: “I am afraid Bazball has been exposed this week. It’s great when it works. The first Test was a pitch that did all sorts so I get Bazball on that pitch, but not the last two where the pitches have been absolutely fine to just play with positive intent but more so common sense.”
“Let’s be honest, this could get messy for England. They have lost games in the Bazball era but they have never really been hammered. This could be the first.”
Vaughan furthermore posted on Twitter: “Even when this England team have lost in the last 2 years you have always been able to take positives .. or they haven’t been hammered .. this is looking like a wake up call that surely sends a message you can’t just play one way against quality teams.”
Even when this England team have lost in the last 2 years you have always been able to take positives .. or they haven’t been hammered .. this is looking like a wake up call that surely sends a message you can’t just play one way against quality teams .. #INDvENG
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) February 18, 2024
Vaughan additionally remarked that the English team should prioritize “common sense,” indicating that the ‘Bazball’ strategy might not be effective across all playing conditions.
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