Ravichandran Ashwin backs England’s 'Bazball' approach despite two losses in Ashes 2023

Ravichandran Ashwin, star Indian off-spinner, spoke on the England cricket team's back-to-back losses in the ongoing Ashes 2023 series. However, Ashwin clearly backed the Ben Stokes-led side ‘Bazball’ approach and said he would respect the English side if they play with the same attacking approach. Notably, after two Tests, the home side trails 2-0 against Australia.

The Aussies clearly have shaken Brendon McCullum’s managed England as the home side was backing themselves to chase down the target of 371 runs but fell short by 43 runs. Consequently, the fans have criticised the English team's style of play, what is coined as ‘Bazball’ by cricket fans all over the world. In an interesting piece of advice, Ashwin remarked that instead of scoring over five runs per over, if the home side tones down a bit in terms of overall run rate, that is still good enough to call it 'bazball'.

“England can continue to play Bazball, but instead of trying to score at 5.5-6 runs per over, they can look to score at 3.5-4 runs per over. Scoring at 4 runs per over is still Bazball,” said Ashwin on his YouTube channel. 

“If they continue to play Bazball despite the two losses, they have my respect. See this is the cricket they have played and there will be some wins and some losses, as the saying goes, 'He who wins by the sword, does by the sword.' If they continue their approach, then it will be an incredible balance, and they have my backing,” Ashwin concluded.

England coach Brendon McCullum backs home side to bounce back

Meanwhile, as the Ashes series unfolded with different controversies and run out sagas, England head coach Brendon McCullum has backed his team to come up good against Australia in the five-Test match series. Furthermore, in an interesting take, McCullum feels that these controversies will act as the much-needed fuel for England to bounce back in the third Ashes Test.

Notably, the next game will be played at Headingley as England will lock horns with Australia on Thursday, July 6. The home side will aim to stay alive in the series, while Australia will look to gain an unassailable lead by winning the third Test.