“Need to stop calling it that”, Ben Stokes calls for not using the ‘Bazzball’ term due to this reason

England’s captain, Ben Stokes, attributes the team’s 267-run victory against New Zealand in the first Test match, which just ended in Mount Maunganui, to a combination of batting quickly and bowling with a new pink ball under lights.

When New Zealand skipper Tim Southee sent England in to bat first on Day 1, England declared their first innings with a score of 325-9 after 58.2 overs. As a refresher, England averaged over five runs per over in both of their innings.

“It’s a tactical thing around day-night games. Looking to bowl with the new ball under lights. The pace we batted allowed us to set it up, inflict some damage under lights and again last night,” Stokes told host broadcaster Spark Sport during the post-match presentation ceremony today.

After reducing the hosts to 63/5 in 23 overs on Day 3 at Stumps, there were few reasons to doubt an English triumph. England took a commanding 1-0 lead in the two-match series when New Zealand was bowled out for 63 runs in 22.3 overs on Day 4. 

Despite scoring a pair of half-centuries, England’s Harry Brook was unable to join a select group of players who have scored a century in each of the last four Tests they’ve played in. However, his three Player of the Match awards in this format came because of his eye-catching performances of 89 (81) and 54 (41). He smashed a total of 22 fours and three sixes in the two innings.

“Brooky [Harry Brook] carrying on from his amazing series in Pakistan, he’s a fantastic talent. Senior guys can take credit for allowing these young guys to go out and show what they can do,” Stokes said of Brook, whose 623 runs in eight Test innings have come at an average and strike rate of 77.87 and 96.88 respectively.

With former New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum as the head coach, Stokes has led England to 10 victories in 12 Tests, improving his leadership record to 1 loss. While many in the cricketing community have referred to their great combination and England’s Test recovery as “Bazball,” Stokes has made it clear that he does not like the moniker and would prefer that it not be used.

“Need to stop calling it that [smiles]. You’re gonna upset Brendon [McCullum, head coach],” Stokes added. Sam Billings, wicket-keeper batsman for England, previously informed readers of McCullum’s distaste for the aforementioned word.