Rob Key Says The 'Bazball' Phrase Devalues What Ben Stokes And Brendon McCullum Have Done For England
Published - 15 Jul 2022, 07:23 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:10 AM
Rob Key, England men’s director of cricket, admits he has been surprised by the pace of England showing giant strides in red-ball resurgence.
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 Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum so far
All-rounder Ben Stokes succeed Root as England Test skipper and former New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum was roped in as coach for the Test side.
Since McCullum and Stokes have been at the helm of England Test side, they whitewash New Zealand 3-0 before defeating India in Birmingham in the rescheduled fifth Test.
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 the history against India at Edgbaston, chasing their highest target (378) in Tests.
Bazball devalues what Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum have done: Rob Key
Key, who replaced Ashley Giles as England men’s team director of cricket, expressed his astonishment over England’s new aggressive approach. However, the former player wasn’t pleased with the term ‘Bazbaal’ being coined to define England’s new brand of cricket under McCullum.
“I never thought it would work like this. There will be times when it won’t work, but for now it’s been fantastic to see,” Key told BBC Test Match Special.
“I’m not mad on Bazball the phrase. It’s not something I particularly enjoy because it devalues what Ben and Brendon have done,” he added.
England are currently playing against India in a three-match ODI series with the series tied at 1-1.
India thrashed England by 10 wickets at The Oval only for the hosts to bounce back at Lord’s with a 100-run victory. Both teams play the series-decider match at Old Trafford in Manchester on July 17.
