McCullum: We’ll go hard at Aussies… but please stop calling it Bazball!
By PAUL NEWMAN
BReNDON MccUllUM says england will go hard at australia next year in a high-octane bid for the ashes. however, he would be happier if their Test revolution was not labelled ‘Bazball’.
The Test coach was responding to Steve Smith’s comments about england’s transformation, where Smith questioned whether the positive tactics that conquered New Zealand and india will work
against Pat cummins, Josh hazlewood and co. Mccullum accepted the ashes in england next summer will represent the ultimate test of their game plan. But he confirmed they will not be changing their approach. ‘i saw those comments,’ said Mccullum yesterday. ‘he’s right, australia will challenge what we’re capable of and that’s exciting. isn’t that what it’s all about? To reinvigorate yourself and then be confronted by the very best? ‘New Zealand and india are two very good sides but australia is a different kind of challenge because of the history of the ashes and the rivalry. ‘i’m sure our guys will maintain a positive approach.
The real key is not just the crash and burn, if you look at how the guys have done it. ‘That’s why i don’t really like that silly term people are throwing out there (Bazball). There’s actually quite a lot of thought that goes into — when they put pressure on bowlers and which bowlers. There’s also been times when they’ve absorbed pressure beautifully.’
With Test series against South africa, Pakistan and New Zealand to come before next summer’s ashes, Mccullum prefers to live in the moment. But he admitted he has one eye on what remains the biggest date in the english calendar. ‘We know that’s probably the ultimate challenge for us,’ he said. ‘Our focus is on South africa for now but at some point we will start looking at australia.’ One man hoping to force his way back into england’s Test plans is Sam curran, who hit his maiden first-class century earlier this year when he smashed 126 off 75 balls for Surrey against Kent. ‘The way the Test team has been playing is incredible,’ said curran after england’s defeat in
the first Twenty20 international against india. ‘it looks like they’re playing with so much confidence and i just hope i can be part of that in the future.’