Smash, bang, whimper: the rise and fall of Bazball
England's aggressive 'Bazball' style of Test cricket has officially concluded following a series loss to New Zealand. The match marked the final international appearance for captain Ben Stokes and the last game for coach Brendon McCullum.
Why it matters
Bazball represented a significant tactical shift in international cricket, influencing how the sport is played globally; its end marks the close of a high-profile era in English sports.
The end came swiftly. It took New Zealand only 51.2 overs to wrap up the England second innings at Trent Bridge.
Jamie Smith’s slog against Mitchell Santner ended in the hands of a diving Nathan Smith, running in from long-on. That was not just the end of the third Test. It was also the end of what was perhaps the most discussed, or debated, style of playing Test cricket since Bodyline.
New Zealand won by 160 runs, and also became the first team ever to win a three-match series in England after losing the opening Test. It was indeed a fabulous achievement by Tom Latham’s men.
For Latham’s English counterpart, Ben Stokes, it was his last international match. For the coach, Brendon McCullum, it was the last Test in charge of England.
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