'I got criticized for bowling this crap 20-30 years ago and now it's back' - Merv Hughes backs 'Bodyline' tactics employed in Lord's Test

Merv Hughes, in a light-hearted manner, has jokingly demanded an apology from all those who previously criticized him for his age-old short-ball tactic, which resurfaced as a potent weapon during the second Ashes Test. 

In this match, Australia effectively employed the short ball strategy to dismiss England for 325 runs in their first innings at Lord's, after the visitors had comfortably reached 188/1 at one stage. The hosts continued with this approach in England's second innings, capturing crucial wickets and curbing the flow of runs.

During a conversation on the SEN podcast 'Breakfast with Pat and Heals', Ian Healy asked Hughes about the resurgence of the 'Bodyline' tactic and how he would have relished it. In response, Hughes jokingly expressed his desire for those who criticized him in the past to apologize, as he said:

"I got criticized for bowling this crap 20-30 years ago and now it's back. I am just thinking mate, just rewind the clock, I want all those people who criticized me for how I bowled to apologize. I have always said that I was far more intelligent than most batters and most wicketkeepers."

While acknowledging that the short-ball strategy may not be aesthetically pleasing to watch, former Australian pace bowler emphasized its effectiveness for both teams. Hughes remarked:

"People might not like it but ultimately it's a game plan by the players. Let's face it, English players did it, Australian players did it, they bowled short and they got rewarded for their effort."

In the first innings, Australia dismissed four of England's top-order batters- Ollie Pope, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, and Harry Brook - using the short ball. In response, Ben Stokes and his teammates retaliated by employing the same tactic and dismissing most of Australia's top-order batters.

There is no need for England to change their game plan – Merv Hughes on Usman Khawaja and Steve Smith succumbing to the short ball.

Merv Hughes pointed out that England did not have to alter their game plan when Usman Khawaja and Steve Smith fell victim to the short ball. He stated:

"What we needed to see is that Usman Khawaja and Steve Smith at the start of that fourth day, they played that barrage really well for about an hour and then they succumbed to it. They got out both hooking. So England didn't have to change their game plan." 

He also said that the Australian bowlers did not have to change their approach the day before, as the English batters were repeatedly caught after playing the short ball in the air. 

"Rewind back a day, Australian bowlers to the English batters, they were bowling short, English batters were hitting the ball up in the air and getting caught. Why did the bowlers have to change anything?"