"It's Not Just About Wild Slogging" - Rahul Dravid Lauds 'Bazball' Approach After 2nd Test
Published - 06 Feb 2024, 11:53 AM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:26 AM
Team India head coach Rahul Dravid lauded England’s ‘Bazball’ approach following the second Test match between the teams in Vishakhapatnam. Rahul Dravid highlighted that England demonstrated excellent skills, not merely relying on an aggressive style of play.
The Indian team registered a 106-run victory at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium on Monday, February 5. England was bundled out for 292 in the final innings while chasing a 399-run target. The hosts levelled the ongoing series 1-1.
Zak Crawley’s aggressive half-century kept England in contention, but he failed to receive support from his teammates. Kuldeep Yadav provided a crucial breakthrough by dismissing Crawley at the stroke of lunch. Following that, England experienced a collapse.
They’re Playing Very Well – Rahul Dravid
Rahul Dravid acknowledged England’s effective style of play under the leadership of Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum. Dravid emphasized that playing attacking cricket involves more than just intent, highlighting the importance of skill execution.
“I think they’re playing very well. Whether you call it Bazball or whatever you call it. I know it’s just a term – I’m not sure how happy they are about it – but they’re playing really good cricket. I mean, let’s be honest, I think they played well,” said Dravid.
“They have obviously shown good skills. I think that it’s not just about wild slogging, they’re actually showing some very good skills. Some of the shots they’re playing require a lot of skill and ability. You can’t just come here and execute those things and just say, oh, I want to play attackingly and not have the skills to execute it. So I think there’s more it than just attacking cricket,” he added.
We’re Looking Forward To It – Rahul Dravid
Rahul Dravid acknowledged England’s strategic approach, highlighting their ability to balance both attacking and defensive play. He expressed awareness of the challenge, emphasizing India’s readiness to face it.
“I’ve seen at times they know when to pull back. They know when to attack. So they’re playing slightly differently, no doubt about it. But they’ve been very successful and they’re playing it well. They know how to find that balance. And we know we are up against the challenge and we’re looking forward to it,” Dravid stated.
The Rohit Sharma-led side missed key players like Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, and Ravindra Jadeja after losing the series opener in Hyderabad. The home team overcame obstacles and secured a crucial win in the second Test against England to level the five-match series 1-1.
India’s ace pacer, Jasprit Bumrah, was awarded Player of the Match for his outstanding bowling performances on a flat pitch. The right-arm pacer claimed 6/45 in the first innings, followed by 3/46 in the second. Kuldeep Yadav picked up four wickets in both innings.
After the conclusion of the second Test, there will be a 10-day gap before the third Test. Both teams will travel to Rajkot for the third Test scheduled to take place at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium from February 15 to 19.
Also read: Virat Kohli not to return for England Tests? Rahul Dravid opens up on batter’s availability
