Joe Root Leaves “Bazball” in Blues: Chappell Calls for Natural Game, Backing Clashes with McCullum

Joe Root, England’s esteemed batter, finds himself at the crossroads of contrasting philosophies. Former Australian captain Ian Chappell has sparked debate by urging Root to ditch the aggressive “Bazball” approach championed by coach Brendon McCullum and return to his natural, patient game.

This comes after Root’s dismissal playing a switch shot against India, contributing to England’s heavy defeat in the third Test.

Chappell, known for his outspoken views, minced no words, calling “Bazball” “bullshit” and arguing it doesn’t suit Root’s strengths. He pointed to Root’s impressive pre-McCullum record, highlighting eight centuries at an average of 54.34, suggesting a drastic shift might be hindering, not helping.

“Root had a bloody fine record playing normally,” Chappell said. “He was a quick scorer playing normally. I don’t see why he’s trying to change things drastically.”

However, McCullum, the architect of “Bazball,” remains steadfast in his support of Root. He sees the potential for an even more dominant Root, believing the aggressive approach can unlock a higher ceiling. “Imagine if this becomes the norm for Joe… with the talent he possesses, what’s the ceiling?” McCullum questioned.

Statistics paint a nuanced picture. While Root’s average under McCullum (50.12) is slightly higher than his career average (49.32), his pre-McCullum form was arguably peak Root.

Additionally, Root’s dismissal against India mirrored a similar switch-hit failure at the World Cup, raising concerns about his comfort with the new approach.

The debate extends beyond Root. “Bazball,” characterized by its relentless attacking intent, has garnered both praise and criticism for its potential to revolutionize Test cricket while raising concerns about sustainability and risk-reward balance.

McCullum, however, remains unfazed by the “outside noise,” emphasizing the strong team environment and confidence his methods foster. “There will be times when we don’t quite get it right… but the upside is… continuing to put bums on seats, make Test cricket more entertaining,” he said.

Only time will tell if Root can adapt and thrive under “Bazball” or if, as Chappell suggests, a return to his natural game holds the key. Regardless, the clashing philosophies and Root’s pivotal role make for an intriguing storyline as England navigates the uncertain waters of Test cricket’s evolving landscape.