From Bazball to Blockball: England’s Quiet Revolution at Lord’s
For three years, the England Test team, under the leadership of Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes, embraced a radical philosophy dubbed “Bazball”—a bold, attacking style of cricket designed to entertain, shock, and revive the longest format of the game. It was about flair over fear, and freedom over caution. Yet, on July 10 at Lord’s, the spiritual home of Test cricket, England did something uncharacteristic: they blocked. And blocked. And blocked.
There were no sixes, no quirky reverse scoops, no record-breaking 500-plus day-one totals. It was a gritty, old-school performance from a team that seemed more interested in batting time than blowing the opposition away. In a poetic twist, England’s quiet renunciation of Bazball came at the very ground that most reveres the traditions of the game.
Lord’s Day One: No Bazball in Sight
On Day 1 of the 3rd Test between England and India, England finished at 251/4, having played nearly 90 overs on a slow, tricky pitch. It was a total that, by Bazball standards, might seem underwhelming. But for the purists—and perhaps for England’s long-term ambitions—it was a meaningful day.
Joe Root, the former captain and the man most emblematic of England’s classical cricketing style, stood unbeaten on 99, grinding out his innings over 191 balls at a strike rate of just 51.83. Ben Stokes, the fiery skipper known for match-turning blitzes, batted at a strike rate of 38.24. Not a single English batter struck at over 60.
Gone was the frantic pace, replaced by measured caution, especially in the face of a relentless Indian bowling attack. Shubman Gill couldn’t help himself on the stump mic, quipping: “No more entertaining cricket, laads. Welcome back to boring Test cricket, boys.”
But boring was effective. And perhaps necessary.
A Shift in Strategy or Just a Temporary Pause?
For a team that once smashed 506 runs in a single day against Pakistan in Rawalpindi, the contrast was stark. Since the birth of Bazball in 2022, England have been the poster boys of aggressive red-ball cricket.
England’s Bazball Stars (2022–2025):
- Joe Root – 3,198 runs @ SR 68.62
- Ben Duckett – 2,511 runs @ SR 88.07
- Harry Brook – 2,438 runs @ SR 88.84
- Ollie Pope – 2,383 runs @ SR 74.77
- Zak Crawley – 2,005 runs @ SR 74.42
These numbers are not just impressive—they’re revolutionary for Test cricket. But while Bazball has delivered breathtaking wins, it has also left England vulnerable against tougher opponents in pressure situations. The high-risk style, though crowd-pleasing, doesn’t always yield results.
At Lord’s, it appeared England had learned a valuable lesson: sometimes, winning requires restraint.
Pujara and Karthik Praise the Shift
India’s veteran Test batter Cheteshwar Pujara, known for his own grinding style, lauded England’s revised approach. Commentating on Day 1, he called it a “revamped version of Bazball,” one where “they understand the situation of a game.”
“When the opposition is bowling well, they are willing to defend, leave the ball, and build partnerships. It’s not just about counterattacking anymore. This England side could become a real contender for the WTC title in the 2025-27 cycle,” said Pujara.
Former India cricketer Dinesh Karthik echoed similar sentiments, especially praising Joe Root:
“He didn’t look fluent, but that’s the hallmark of a great batter. On tough days, you grind it out. Root has done exactly that. He’s taken England to a respectable position.”
Why the Blockball? England’s Explanation
England batter Ollie Pope admitted after stumps that the team had to adapt to conditions that didn’t favor attacking strokeplay.
“It was a very slow day but credit to India. They held their lengths well. It felt like you had to force the ball through, which in England we are not used to. You usually get rewards for cuts and clips, but not today,” Pope told Sky Sports.
He added that 251/4 was a good position and hoped the team could capitalize on Day 2.
Three Years Later, England Finally Play to Win
The heart of this transformation lies in England’s growing maturity as a Test team. After three years of trying to prove a point about how Test cricket could be exciting, it seems they’ve finally embraced the fundamentals—respect the conditions, respect the opposition, play the long game.
Yes, Bazball brought eyeballs back to the format, but it also brought scrutiny, especially when it failed. In recent series against India and Australia, England’s ultra-aggressive approach often cost them crucial moments. The Lord’s innings feels like the outcome of that reflection.
England are no longer trying to impress; they’re trying to win.
Blockball Isn’t Boring—It’s Necessary
The taunts from opposition players and memes on social media calling England’s performance “boring” miss the point. In the context of Test cricket, flexibility is the real power. England didn’t “abandon” Bazball—they evolved it.
And ironically, this shift may make them more entertaining in the long run. Watching Joe Root defy the odds and grind to a near-century is as compelling as any explosive cameo. Watching a team rethink its identity, and do it mid-series, is drama of the highest order.
Back to the Future at Lord’s
It was fitting that this turning point happened at Lord’s, the mecca of cricketing tradition. England, who had spent three years tearing up the Test script, may have finally realized that the old ways—patience, temperament, and strategic restraint—still hold value.
On Thursday, they traded bravado for substance, noise for quiet steel.
They played a version of cricket that doesn’t sell slogans or create hashtags, but one that wins Test matches and earns respect.
From rebellious teenagers desperate to shock the world, they now look like seasoned adults who finally get what elite sport is all about.
The Road Ahead
As England resume on Day 2 at 251/4, it remains to be seen whether they’ll return to the Bazball fireworks or continue down the Blockball path. But one thing is clear: this team is no longer dogmatic. It is no longer about “our way or no way.”
It’s about playing smart. Playing what the situation demands. Playing for the result.
And in the grand story of Test cricket, that’s the most exciting plot twist yet.
IT.
