New Zealand all-rounder James Neesham appears to have a strong bond with his former captain and legendary batter Brendon McCullum. Since becoming England’s head coach last year, the former New Zealand captain has changed the landscape of their Test cricket approach.
His ultra-attacking cricket theory, also known as ‘BazBall,’ has helped them win an incredible nine out of ten Tests during his tenure. Many believe that Brendon McCullum has instilled a fearless style of cricket in the red-ball team, which prompted James Neesham to send out a humorous tweet.
Moeen Ali, the all-rounder, had already retired from Test cricket, but there were reports that he was considering a return to the longest format after McCullum tried to persuade him.
Neesham began friendly banter with Brendon McCullum after seeing Ali attempt an audacious one-handed reverse sweep against South Africa in the third ODI on Wednesday.
“Hahahahaha what have you done @Bazmccullum ?!?!”
Hahahahaha what have you done @Bazmccullum ?!?! https://t.co/HBcPIOS8mX
— Jimmy Neesham (@JimmyNeesh) February 1, 2023
While the Bazball strategy has worked wonders for England in Test cricket, it does not work in ODIs. Matthew Mott has struggled to find similar consistency in the ODI team as England has lost 50-over series against India, Australia, and now the Proteas in recent months.
Since Eoin Morgan’s retirement, the defending champions have struggled in the one-day format. Even after winning the T20 World Cup, England was humiliated by Australia in the ODI series.
Despite winning the third ODI against South Africa, they lost the series 2-1. England will realise they have a lot to think about if they want to defend their title.
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