Collins dictionary shortlisted Bazball as one of the top 10 words of the year.
Listed as a noun, it has been given the dictionary definition of “a style of Test cricket in which the batting side attempts to gain the initiative by playing in a highly aggressive manner”. Its origin is noted as “C21: after Brendon McCullum, known as Baz (born 1981), New Zealand cricketer and coach”.
The word has now been added to collinsdictionary.com and is set to be included in the next edition of the Collins English Dictionary, the largest single-volume English dictionary in print.
Bazball, which also has its own Wikipedia page and is the title of a new book co-written by Mail Sport's Lawrence Booth, was initially used to describe England's style of play last year.
However, McCullum said last summer: “I don't have any idea what “Bazball” is. I don't really like that silly term that people are throwing out there.”
Meanwhile, Australia’s Marnus Labuschagne gave a hilarious reaction on being told that Bazball had been added to dictionary. In a video shared by cricket.com.au, Labuschagne, who is in India for the ODI World Cup 2023, is told about the development.
He reacts by saying: “Oh man, that is garbage. I don’t know what that is. Honestly, I have no idea, what you’re talking about.”