Legendary India all-rounder Kapil Dev urged Rohit Sharma and the Indian side to be more aggressive in Test cricket while showing his admiration for England’s newly found ‘Bazball’ tactics under the leadership of captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum.
England recently staged an incredible comeback in the Ashes 2023 against Australia to bounce back from 0-2 down to make it 2-2 in the fiercely fought 5-Test Ashes series, but India missed out on an opportunity to beat West Indies in a rain-marred 2nd Test in Port of Spain.
"Bazball is wonderful. The series between England and Australia was one of the finest series I have seen in recent times. I think cricket should be played like that. Rohit is good. But he must be more aggressive. You have to think about how teams like England play now. And it's not just us. All cricket-playing countries have to think along those lines. Winning the game should be the highest priority (not play for draws) for all teams,” Kapil Dev told The Times of India.
Kapil expressed he is a fan of the much-talked-about Bazball that the England cricket team has made popular.
In the do-or-die fourth Test in Manchester, England opted to bat first knowing the chances of rain and opener Zak Crawley hammered 189 runs off just 182 balls, hitting 21 fours and three sixes.
He received big support from Joe Root, who made 84 from 95 balls, demonstrating his prowess and commitment to the team's cause.
But the best knock came from Jonny Bairstow, who made 99* from just 81 balls, hitting 10 fours and four sixes. This helped England post 592 in reply to Australia’s 317 in the first innings.
The Test was marred by rain which saved Australia as they were 214/5 in their second innings, still 61 runs behind England’s total.
