Steve Smith has suggested ‘Bazball’ will not work against his nation in the Ashes next summer - and revealed the term is used as a joke in the Australian cricket camp.
The term, a reference to new head coach Brendon McCullum’s nickname, has been used as the inspiration behind England’s impressive return to form since they were dominated on the Ashes last tour. It has also provided hope that the team can compete with Australia at home next year.
New captain Ben Stokes is only taking matters one Test at a time and has largely avoided the hopeful talk when looking ahead to the Australia series in 2023. However, after four remarkable run chases including a record-breaking 378 against India at Edgbaston, fans and figures alike are hoping England can return to the top of the sport.
The impressive return to form by England has been seen by the Australian team, with Smith yelling ‘Bazball’ as he batted in the nets on Wednesday ahead of Australia’s second Test against Sri Lanka in Galle. Former captain Smith does not know whether England’s approach is long-term or rather a spark of form ignited by the addition of the new coach and captain.
“I’ve watched a little bit of it, it’s certainly been entertaining, they’re coming out playing their shots,” Smith said. “Even someone like Alex Lees started to come down the wicket when he was on nothing really to play the way he played [against India].
“If you come on a wicket that’s got some grass and Josh Hazlewood, [Pat] Cummins and [Mitchell] Starc are rolling in at you. Is it going to be the same? We’ll see what happens.”
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England’s renewed approach to Test cricket has seen them mimic the Australian camp with a positive attitude combined with a high work ethic when it comes to running and attacking fields. However, Australia possess genuine pace to unsettle England.
“I think you saw the last Test against England, the pink ball game in Hobart, when 'Heady' [Travis Head] and Marnus [Labuschagne] started to take the game on, the wicket was doing plenty, so it was a counteract, put the pressure back on the bowler mentality, and it worked on that occasion,” Smith added. “Is it going to work every time? I don't know.
“Guys just keep joking about it – I think Ronnie [Andrew McDonald, Australia head coach] has had enough of hearing about Bazball to be honest, it's good fun to joke about.”
Pat Cummins' lead Sri Lanka 1-0 in the series after batting at more than 4.5 runs an over in last week’s first Test, which was contested over two days and one session. Their second Test begins on Friday 8 July.
