NEW DELHI: England opener Zak Crawley emphasized the positive impact of the aggressive 'Bazball' approach, introduced by coach Brendon McCullum, on the team's performance. England, unbeaten in Tests since adopting this style, staged a remarkable comeback to defeat India by 28 runs in the first Test in Hyderabad.
Speaking ahead of the second Test in Visakhapatnam, Crawley highlighted that the ultra-aggressive mindset aligns better with the natural game of most players.
"A lot of us play a bit better under this regime," he stated, comparing it favorably to the traditional "take-your-time" strategy.
The English team's aggressive style was evident in their resilient performance in Hyderabad, where they overcame a 190-run first-innings deficit to secure victory. Crawley acknowledged that 'Bazball' has become second nature to the players, allowing them to express themselves more freely on the field.
As England prepare for the second Test, Crawley expressed that the team is focused on their own performance rather than getting distracted by India's selection challenges.
India will be without the services of Ravindra Jadeja and KL Rahul due to injuries, in addition to the absence of Virat Kohli for personal reasons.
Crawley downplayed the impact of the missing players, stating, "Two very good players missing out, but I'm sure looking at their depth, they have two very good players coming in. So, that won't change anything for us too much."
Regarding the nature of the pitch in Visakhapatnam, where spin is expected to play a significant role, Crawley remained unfazed. The English opener highlighted the team's approach of adapting to different conditions and focusing on their strengths.
Reflecting on the training camp in Abu Dhabi ahead of the series, Crawley dismissed criticisms about the timing of their arrival in India. He emphasized that the camp allowed them to prepare for spin-friendly conditions and tailor their game accordingly.
Addressing the use of sweep shots against spinners, Crawley considered it a well-thought-out strategy.
"Sweeping and reverse sweeping when it's spinning is a good option. It takes the spin out of the plan," he explained, crediting Ollie Pope's execution of the sweep shots in the first Test.
Praising Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah, Crawley acknowledged his exceptional skills and noted the challenge posed by India's formidable seam attack.
(With inputs from PTI)
