Bazball is overhyped: Kris Srikkanth makes a scathing assessment of England's tactics

Former India captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth has criticized England’s Bazball tactics in Tests, saying they are overhyped and lack the skill and talent needed to succeed in challenging conditions. After England’s crushing defeat in the third Test against India, Srikkanth expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of their aggressive batting approach.

In a scathing assessment of England’s chances in the ongoing Test series, Srikkanth ridiculed the Bazball strategy as “overhyped” and even suggested facetiously that England might consider catching the next flight home to avoid further humiliation. He emphasized the need for skill and talent to succeed in challenging conditions and questioned the long-term viability of the aggressive batting approach.

Srikkanth’s critique comes at a critical juncture for England, whose hopes of salvaging the series rest on the upcoming Test in Ranchi starting on Friday. With their recent track record in Test cricket raising concerns, England faces an uphill battle to level the series against a formidable Indian side. Despite England’s impressive record under coach Brendon McCullum’s Bazball philosophy, Srikkanth remained unconvinced of its sustainability.

“I don’t think it (Bazball) will work in the long run. Just go there and try and hit every ball…I think Brendon McCullum can bat like that, Ben Stokes can bat like that. Not everybody can do that successfully. Sometimes, you need to adapt. I feel it’s overhyped. That’s my feeling. I may be wrong,” said Srikkanth.

With two more matches to go in the series, Srikkanth’s criticism adds to the pressure on England as they look to bounce back in the remaining Tests. The former India captain’s assessment raises questions about the effectiveness of England’s aggressive batting approach and its potential impact on the team’s chances in the ongoing series.