Can't Believe What I Was Seeing In The Tests: Sir Garry Sobers On England's Aggressive Approach

Former West Indies all-rounder Sir Garry Sobers said it was tough to digest England’s aggressive approach in Test cricket.

Ahead of June 2022, England registered just one win in 17 Test matches which led to many changes in the board including Joe Root stepping down from the Test captaincy role.

England under Brendon McCullum so far

Since Brendon McCullum, the former New Zealand captain, took over as England’s head coach in the red-ball format, things are turning upside down. England are reckoning to play a new brand of Test cricket where the batter score runs in quick succession.

England became the first Test side to chase a target of over 250 in four straight games following the heroics of 277 at Lord’s, 299 at Trent Bridge, and 296 at Headingley against New Zealand before scripting the historic result against India at Edgbaston.

England rode on phenomenal hundreds by Joe Root (142) and Jonny Barston (114) to chase their highest total of 378 in Tests in the rescheduled fifth match against India.

Can’t believe what I was seeing in the Tests: Sir Garry Sobers

Sobers, who is regarded as one of the best all-rounders in Test cricket, said it was unbelievable to watch England’s batting and was effusive in his praise for Root.

“I can’t believe what I was seeing in the Tests. Flashing bats and people trying to hit fours and sixes every ball,” Sobers said during a launch of a foundation named after him, as reported by news agency AFP.

“It’s good from the spectator’s point of view –- rather than dull and boring cricket, pushing it back down the wicket.

“I do worry about the technical side of the game, though, that it’s suffering. That’s why I enjoy watching Joe Root, he’s a hell of a good player,” added Sobers, who played 93 Tests for West Indies.

England are currently playing against India in the ODI series having lost the first game by 10 wickets on Tuesday (July 12) at The Oval. Both the teams will face each other in the second ODI on Thursday at Lord’s.

Also Read: IND vs ENG: Virat Kohli To Miss Second ODI Against England – Report