England's Test cricket has undergone a dramatic transformation since Brendon McCullum took charge as head coach in May 2022, introducing an aggressive philosophy that has polarised the cricketing world.
The approach, dubbed 'Bazball' after McCullum's nickname 'Baz', emphasises fearless batting and positive decision-making both at the crease and in the field.
Under McCullum's guidance and Ben Stokes' captaincy, England have achieved remarkable batting performances, scoring at unprecedented speeds.
The strategy draws inspiration from McCullum himself, who holds Test cricket's fastest century record.
England Test captain Ben Stokes has embodied the new spirit of aggressive cricket
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Despite facing considerable criticism, the results speak volumes.
England have climbed to second place in the ICC's Test team rankings under this new regime.
The term 'Bazball', first coined by ESPN Cricinfo journalist Andrew Miller, gained such prominence that Collins dictionary added it in November 2023.
McCullum has expressed frustration with how his philosophy is perceived, rejecting the 'Bazball' label entirely.
The New Zealander believes significant misconceptions exist about England's approach.
Brendon McCullum despises the 'Bazball' term
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"I think there's a bit of a misconception about how we play, that we swing the bat as hard as we can, we try to take wickets and then we go for a round of golf and a few beers," McCullum stated in September 2025.
"I find it slightly disrespectful to all of you guys [the players] and all of the people in the set-up who work so hard and have such clear determination of wanting to succeed, to have that so simply categorised, almost."
The strategy has attracted sharp criticism when batsmen fall cheaply whilst attacking.
Michael Vaughan labelled a Jonny Bairstow dismissal in 2022 as "dumb" and "pathetic".
England have been both praised and criticised for their high-risk strategy at the crease
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Yet players like Harry Brook, England's white-ball captain and Test vice-captain, embrace the philosophy.
"We want to entertain," Brook declared in September 2024.
Australian cricketers have consistently dismissed the notion that Bazball represents anything revolutionary.
They argue their nation pioneered this entertaining style decades before England branded it.
Nathan Lyon expressed his views to BBC Sport, stating: "I don't mind hearing about it. It's their type of cricket.
"I just feel like we've been playing entertaining cricket for a number of years now, we just don't need to call it a name to justify it."
The spinner pointed to historical precedents. "I've seen David Warner score centuries in a session well and truly before Bazball was invented."
Former wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist echoed these sentiments. "We were doing it 20 years before them. It's just the way you play cricket," he remarked.
Ben Stokes will look to lead England to their first Ashes win in Australia since 2011
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Despite their scepticism about its originality, Gilchrist acknowledged the entertainment value.
"No, it [Bazball] does not wind me up. It makes for compelling viewing. Bring it on."