Bazball

Bazball was on show for most Australians this year in the Ashes test series. It was not what people were used to in test cricket where the rule was to play conservatively and protect your wicket.  Test cricket was very different from both one-day cricket and T20 where the batter aggressively attempted to score from every ball if possible.

The name Bazball was coined by a British journalist, Andrew Miller.  ‘Baz’ was the nickname of the coach who introduced this ‘play without fear’ style, the New Zealander, Brendon McCullum. He was supported by the English captain Ben Stokes.  The two of them changed the fortunes of the English team and gave them a series of wins, although it has to be said that not all batters in the team managed to flash their blade around without quickly getting out.

Brendon McCullum does not like the name because it seems to imply that Bazball batters are simply sloggers, whereas he maintains that they are still making judgements about their play, but approaching the game in the spirit of positivity that allows them to play freely.

After recent performances, however, Bazball may be on the wane.