(Cricket News) England’s captivating “Bazball” style of play, which is highly entertaining, is set to undergo a trial when the team embarks on a tour to India next year for a five-match test series, according to England captain Nasser Hussain.
Guided by coach Brendon “Baz” McCullum and led by captain Ben Stokes, England’s approach focused on producing results has once again enthused fans as they managed to erase a 2-0 deficit and level the Ashes series against Australia at 2-2.
However, the team will face a distinctly different challenge in India, where conditions are conducive to spin and vary significantly. England encountered a tough 3-1 defeat during their last tour to India in 2021, under the leadership of captain Joe Root.
Speaking on the latest episode of the ICC Review, Hussain, a native of Chennai, acknowledged, “This is the next trial for Bazball. The forthcoming test is in India, a place renowned for presenting one of the sternest examinations in the realm of test match cricket.”
India has displayed a willingness to capitalize on their home advantage in recent times, opting for pitches that heavily favor spin and unleashing their crafty spin bowlers who consistently trouble visiting batsmen.
“It’s the clash of Bazball with spin. Bazball pitted against Ravi Ashwin, (Ravindra) Jadeja, and Axar Patel, and that promises to be a captivating encounter,” remarked Hussain.
Zak Crawley has embodied England’s aggressive batting style, and the opening batsman expressed that the series in India presents an “incredible opportunity” to examine their cricketing philosophy.
“I don’t possess extensive knowledge about their cricket grounds,” the opener, who amassed a total of 67 runs in four innings during the 2021 tour, remarked after the final Ashes test.
“Occasionally, conditions in India can also offer seam movement and swing – and their seam bowlers are exceptional – so we hope to encounter a couple of pitches like that, favoring us to some extent.
“However, in case the pitches turn and assist spin, I believe our ability to play spin is commendable as well. We’ll need to adjust accordingly and adapt to whatever conditions we encounter.”
The inaugural test match is scheduled to commence on January 29th in Hyderabad, followed by matches in Vizag, Ranchi, Rajkot, and Dharamsala.
Also Read: Zak Crawley looks to test India with Bazball approach next year, wants to adapt to pitches
