Published on: Dec 13, 2022
England have tasted amazing success in Test cricket in a short span of time using the ‘Bazball’ approach under new captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum. On Monday, December 12, they added a new glorious chapter to their Test history, registering a 26-run win in Multan to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series
Despite the England team delivering the results with their ultra-aggressive approach, not everyone is convinced with the side’s style of play. Team India’s stand-in captain KL Rahul, however, backed England’s vision and hailed them for bringing positive intent to Test cricket.
Rahul will be leading the Indian team in Rohit Sharma’s absence due to a thumb injury in the first Test of the two-match series against Bangladesh. Asked about England’s Test cricket, he said at a press conference, “As a cricketer, I don’t think it is reckless cricket. They have certain mindset, they thought about it, they back their players and the players are doing the job for the team, so it doesn’t matter how you have done it. Cricket is changing; there is no set way of how this game needs to be played.”
Rahul also revealed that he is following the England-Pakistan Test series and has enjoyed watching the matches. Speaking about the close contest, the 30-year-old commented, “To watch these two matches between England and Pakistan has really been interesting. I am really enjoying watching Test cricket being played like that, a very fearless, taking the game on.
“But each team has its own way. All teams can learn a thing or two from the teams that are doing well. You can’t always have the same approach. You turn up according to the conditions,” he said, providing his take on English approach,” he added.
The stand-in skipper also asserted that India will themselves adopt an aggressive approach, knowing very well that they will have to play out of their skins to make the World Test Championship (WTC) final. They are currently in fourth place, behind Australia, South Africa and Sri Lanka.
Looking ahead to the upcoming series, Rahul said, “There is a Test championship (final) qualification so we will also have to be aggressive. We know where we stand and what we need to do to qualify for the final,” said Rahul during a media conference after the unveiling of the trophy.
“Each day, each session we will assess what is required for the team in that particular moment and give our best,” he continued.
Indian will have to try and win all their six Test matches – two in Bangladesh and four versus Australia at home – to remain in contention for a place in the WTC final.
–By A Cricket Correspondent
