England's ultra-aggressive method of play aka 'Bazball' had a lot of hype coming into the first Ashes 2023 Test at Edgbaston. While their persistence with the approach benefited them at various stages, Australia managed to get the decisive victory to go 1-0 up in the series. Post the game some people have begun to criticize the Bazball ploy while others backed England to continue with what has yielded them results in recent times.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan reckoned that Ben Stokes and Co. could be a little more cautious in their approach when they play the second Test at Lord's, starting next week. In fact, Vaughan also predicted that Australia might be a bit more attacking with their field placements in the second Test. Notably, Pat Cummins adopted a defensive approach to counter England, as he kept fielders on the boundaries even for new batters.
“I think both teams will change slightly at Lord’s. I think the Aussies won’t go as expansive in the first innings and spread the field. They’ll squeeze a bit more. I’ll be amazed if England don’t play just that little bit (cautiously). Bazball, I love. I love the energy and what it’s brought. It’s now about winning and being that little bit smarter," Vaughan told Cricbuzz.
The 48-year-old also adviced England to exert more pressure on Australia when they have them on the back foot. He further believes that the home side did not create enough pressure in crunch situations of the game which cost them the match.
"When you’ve got an Australian team on the back foot, you’ve got to drive it down and nail them down even more. England just didn’t do that."
Pat Cummins is an incredible cricketer, but he’s got an incredible mind to withstand the pressure: Vaughan
Pat Cummins led from the front as he picked up four wickets in the second innings to restrict England's lead to just 280. However, he was far from over. With the bat, in the second innings, Cummins scored a brilliant 44* under pressure, helping Australia win the encounter by two wickets.
Vaughan heaped praise on Cummins' all-round performance and mentioned how his four-wicket haul in England's second innings gave Australia the chance to go for the victory.
"I have seen him do it many times. His 4-fer in the second innings is what gave Australia the chance to win the Test match. (He) bowled beautifully on a placid wicket, leading from the front in the first Test match away from home in an Ashes series. To get his team over the line, that’s very special.”
"Those two sixes from Pat Cummins - I was on the balcony, thinking they are going to go for a draw. He blocked the first two balls of Joe Root. All of a sudden, into the stands, something’s changed. Brilliant. Pat Cummins is an incredible cricketer, but he’s got an incredible mind to withstand the pressure.”
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