Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has made a surprising admission — he’s a fan of Bazball. The legendary batter praised England’s aggressive Test cricket style under coach Brendon McCullum, saying it has evolved into a more polished and effective approach since its inception.
Speaking to The Times, Ponting highlighted how England have improved since the previous Ashes series and believes Australia will be better prepared to face them next time, having already encountered Bazball during the 2023 Ashes in England.
“I’m as Aussie as anyone and I love watching the way they play,” Ponting said. “The Aussies embraced it and learnt about it the last time they were here. They’ll have an understanding now of what is a slightly more refined version of what England started a few years ago.”
Since McCullum took charge, England have undergone a radical transformation, dominating most home series. But Ponting noted the style didn’t click immediately.
“When it first started, it looked like Joe [Root] got carried away a bit. He changed his game. He’s gone back to playing normally. Ollie Pope is naturally aggressive and scores quickly. Stokes might have the lowest strike rate since it began, while Duckett and Crawley are leading the way,” he said.
According to Ponting, this refinement was crucial to England’s success against top teams.
INDIA’S MISSED CHANCES – KEY LESSON FOR AUSTRALIA
Ponting also pointed to India’s struggles against Bazball as a lesson for Australia. He believes India’s inability to adapt quickly allowed England to fight back for a 2-2 draw in the recent series.
“They probably hold the key in Australia. If they can bat really well at the top and set things up, that will give them a good chance in the series,” he said. “It’s the way England naturally play, and it just sets up everything for them, putting immediate pressure back on the bowlers. You have to adapt really quickly, and that’s where India have let themselves down.”
With the next Ashes still some way off, Ponting’s comments suggest Australia are already thinking ahead — and that Bazball’s evolution will remain a central talking point in world cricket.
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