Australia captain Pat Cummins heaped praise on England’s Bazball mantra and said that he found the method to be impressive. England have won 10 out of 12 Tests under Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes.
By India Today Sports Desk: Australia captain Pat Cummins has hailed England’s Bazball mantra and said that he has found the method impressive ahead of this year’s Ashes series.
The England Test team has found a new lease of life under coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes as their brand of attacking cricket in the longest format of the game has given them a lot of success.
England have won 10 out of 12 Tests under the regime of McCullum and Stokes, which also included a 3-0 away series whitewash against Pakistan last year.
With Australia currently ranked No.1 in the ICC Test rankings and all set to play the World Test Championship final, this year’s Ashes will be an interesting affair.
Speaking to Fox Sports, Cummins said that Bazball has been impressive with England sticking to the method regardless of the circumstances in the game.
“They’ve really stuck to their method and are willing to live and die by that method,” Cummins said.
“They’ve been impressive, they’ve found a way to play a totally different style that gives them the best chance of winning.”
However, Cummins admitted that Australia wouldn’t be sucked in to trying to imitate Bazball during the Ashes series and rather stick to their own style of play.
“Over the last 18 months, the way we’ve gone about it has been really successful, so you don’t want to lose sight of that. I think that’s the most important – worry about what we do well, rather than looking at the opposition,” said Cummins.
The Australian captain also dropped a hint about David Warner’s future as the opener has struggled in recent times in Tests. Cummins said that an attacking opener like Warner can put pressure back on the bowlers and that has been the hallmark of his career.
“The bowlers can get on top over in England with the new ball. It seams around; it can be tough for opening batters,” Cummins said.
“But openers who can put pressure back on the bowlers, they’re priceless. I know as a bowler, if someone’s a sitting duck, you feel like you’re going to get them eventually. If someone’s kind of taking the game to you, it presents a different challenge. That’s been the hallmark of Davey’s career.”
“Over there in England, that’s what you’d want out of him, putting that pressure back on the bowlers.”
When asked if Warner would open in England, Cummins said that everyone would have to wait and see.
