Nasser Hussain fires Bazball warning to Ben Stokes as second Ashes Test begins

28 June 2023 , 10:41

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Nasser Hussain fires Bazball warning to Ben Stokes as second Ashes Test begins

Former England captain Nasser Hussain admits the doubts around Bazball could increase if England fail to win the second test of the Ashes.

The hosts were beaten in a thriller at Edgbaston and now head to Lord's needing a result if they want to preserve their impressive home record against Australia. From the first ball in Birmingham England continued with their aggressive style as Zak Crawley smashed it for four.

Ultimately though the Aussies were able to claim a narrow victory as England's tactics, led by head coach Brendon McCullum, came unstuck. The new style has attracted new fans and bought a new dimension to the five-day game, but Hussain is adamant they cannot lose again if they want their exciting brand to continue being popular - and effective.

He said in the Daily Mail : "So much has been said since Edgbaston about Bazball but England did not lose the first Test because of their style of play. They lost it because they made mistakes which they cannot repeat if they hope to hit back at Lord's and keep the Ashes alive."

Hussain cited particular errors, not England's style, as the reason behind their loss last time out. The selection of Moeen Ali as a spinner was criticised as was Jonny Bairstow's performance behind the stumps with the Yorkshireman having a below par outing.

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"If those errors had not been made, England would have won, but all we have seen since that Test are comments on the merits of Bazball and whether it can win the Ashes," said the 55-year-old.

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"We must also remember that, whatever England say about not being a results-based side, the reason they have introduced this style is to maximise their chances of winning. Yes, they are considering the wider picture, the entertainment Bazball is providing and the good it can do Test cricket when it is in danger of being marginalised by Twenty20 and franchise leagues. But England want to win."

England sit third in the ICC Test rankings, but have enjoyed a huge renaissance under McCullum. At Edgbaston they, once again, scored at a rapid rate compared to the usual Test numbers but a swift run rate didn't lead them to victory and the country's former captain admits they must remain in the Ashes to capture the audience, regardless of their game plan.

"Their brand and style have led to them winning 11 of their last 14 matches. Winning is what they will be judged on and if they want to be entertaining then going to the Oval at 2-2 would be a lot more entertaining than being down 4-0," added Hussain.

Samuel Meade