Since Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum teamed up in 2022, England’s Bazball team has delivered thrilling moments for fans.
Following a tough period of just one win in 17 Tests under Joe Root and Chris Silverwood, the Bazball era has resulted in 24 victories from 38 games, boasting the highest win percentage of any international team during this timeframe.
However, this success has not come without its blunders. The aggressive style embraced by Stokes and McCullum frequently invites risks, which can lead to unfortunate outcomes.
Wisden Editor Lawrence Booth analyzes nine significant missteps in the Bazball approach. Which ones resonate with you, and do you have any to add?
1. Enforcing the Follow-On in Wellington
During the match against New Zealand, after establishing a significant lead, Ben Stokes opted to enforce the follow-on, which ultimately backfired. New Zealand capitalized on this decision, leading to a narrow victory by just one run, costing England a chance for a consecutive series win.
2. Rushing Jonny Bairstow Back for the Ashes
Although Bairstow had a decent series in 2023, his lack of match readiness early in the series was evident. His inability to field effectively resulted in a crucial missed opportunity, leaving England needing to win three of the last four Tests, which they couldn’t accomplish due to adverse weather conditions.
3. Reckless Batting Decisions
After losing the first Test, England had a golden opportunity at Lord’s, but instead of making the Australians work hard for their wickets when their spinner was injured, they played carelessly and lost the match, showcasing poor game management.
4. Joe Root’s Ill-Advised Shot
In a critical match against India, Joe Root’s ill-timed reverse scoop resulted in a catch that led to an England collapse. This shot was particularly puzzling due to the absence of a key spinner from the Indian team and ultimately cost them the match.
5. Misjudged Selection Against Sri Lanka
Against Sri Lanka, selecting Josh Hull, who had performed poorly at the county level, indicated a lack of seriousness from England. This complacency contributed to an unexpected defeat, ruining their chance for a clean sweep in the series.
6. Missed Opportunities in Rawalpindi
In a pivotal Test match in Pakistan, despite having the upper hand, Stokes’s conservative captaincy allowed Pakistan to recover. His personal issues seemed to detract from his game focus, leading to a dramatic change in momentum and an eventual loss for England.
