AUS vs ENG: Damien Fleming Questions England's Commitment To Bazball, Backs Australia To Win 5th Test

Former Australia National Cricket Team pacer Damien Fleming has questioned the England National Cricket Team’s commitment to their Bazball approach ahead of the Ashes 2023 fifth and final clash.

Australia are leading the series 2-1 following their victories in the first two Tests at Edgbaston and Lord’s. The Pat Cummins & Co. have also retained the Ashes urn after the Manchester Test ended in a draw due to the washout on Day 5.

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Speaking ahead of the Ashes finale, Damien Fleming was asked whether he had any issues retaining the Ashes due to a washout in the fifth Test.

“It didn’t bother me, it’s England, it rains,” he responded on Whateley as quoted by SEN.

Fleming added that England were not truly committed to their Bazball approach as they piled up 592 runs instead of declaring early and they didn’t push harder when it was their turn to bowl.

“To be honest England had chances in that last Test. If England were truly committed to Bazball they declare earlier, they get out of there, knowing they only have a finite number of overs in what was always going to be a rain affected match. They were also only bowling 12 overs in an hour; they actually really could have pushed hard for this victory.”

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We’re a chance to win 3-1 and then there is no argument – Damien Fleming

Some former England players and fans have claimed that the Ben Stokes-led side have been a better team despite losing the first two Tests and not being able to capture the Ashes urn. However, Fleming believes that Australia’s victory in the Ashes finale will end all the debates.

“Bazball has had this narrative where they thought they were one nil up after the first Test match and two nil up after the second,” Fleming said.

“That might be important for their group, to keep that positive message going but if you look at it in a black and white way, we won the first two Tests and we’ve retained the Ashes. We’re a chance to win 3-1 and then there is no argument.”

The fifth and final Test of the Ashes 2023 is set to be held at The Kennington Oval in London from July 27 to 31.

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