Ravichandran Ashwin kills Bazball Merchants, England Cricket Team

Former India all-rounder and legendary spinner Ravichandran Ashwin took a dig at England’s cautious batting approach on Day 1 of the third Test at Lord’s in the ongoing five-match series. Ashwin also stated that fans were anticipating England’s aggressive ‘Bazball’ batting approach under Ben Stokes.

England opted to bat first after winning the toss at Lord's Cricket Ground. They ended Day 1 on 251 for 4 after 83 overs. The hosts adopted a circumspect approach, scoring at just over three runs per over. Despite having wickets in hand, Ben Stokes and his side didn’t play with their usual Bazball approach.

It Was a Good Day for England - Ravichandran Ashwin

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ravichandran Ashwin said that England surprised fans and experts with their batting approach on the opening day. Ashwin jokingly added that England had “betrayed everyone” who anticipated an attacking display.

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“It was a good day for England,” Ashwin began, “but everyone believed they would continue with Bazball. What we saw instead was Prankball. Their run rate dropped, and they looked far more defensive than expected.”

England brought up their 100-run mark in 35.4 overs on Day 1, making it their second-slowest century stand in an innings since adopting the Bazball approach. Their slowest was also against India, during the Rajkot Test in 2024.

Joe Root Scoring Runs Is Crucial for England - Ravichandran Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin admitted that he was puzzled by the change in mindset. However, he praised Joe Root’s century, calling it the highlight of the day. Ashwin emphasized that Root's innings came at a crucial time and served as a textbook example of how to approach Test cricket.

“I’ve said earlier that Joe Root scoring runs is very important for England. And just when it was needed, he delivered. That knock was a proper lesson in how to play Test cricket. Root is back,” he said.

Joe Root, who scored 104, helped England post a total of 387 in their first innings. Jasprit Bumrah starred with the ball for India, taking five wickets. In response, India finished Day 2 at 145 for 3. KL Rahul provided stability at the crease, while Rishabh Pant batted despite carrying a finger injury.

Ravichandran Ashwin Announced His Retirement from International Cricket in 2024

Ravichandran Ashwin announced his retirement from international cricket on December 18, 2024, after India’s third Test against Australia in the 2024–25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The veteran off-spinner took 537 wickets in 200 innings - India’s second-highest wicket-taker in the format.

He also scored six centuries and 14 fifties in Tests. Ashwin was part of India’s victorious squads in the 2011 World Cup and the 2013 Champions Trophy. He ended his international career with 765 wickets across formats.

Ashwin was part of the Chennai Super Kings squad in the 2025 IPL season but had a forgettable campaign, picking up just seven wickets in nine matches at an economy rate of 9.12.

Also read: India vs England Weather Report Day 3, Lord’s Test 2025