England’s aggressive approach towards Test cricket, also known as ‘Bazball’, has captured the imagination of the cricketing world.
With this style, the Three Lions have produced impressive results under the regime of Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum over the last two seasons. While England defeated New Zealand, South Africa and India (one-off Test at Edgbaston) at home, they whitewashed Pakistan away from home and played a 1-1 drawn series in New Zealand.
England didn’t change their approach in the Ashes 2023 as well. Despite being 2-0 down, they played fearlessly to bounce back and level the five-match series 2-2 against Australia.
The tour of India early next year will pose the next biggest challenge to England, but Ollie Pope has promised that the Stokes-led side won’t compromise with their aggressive brand of cricket.
England will travel to India for a five-match Test series, scheduled to be played from January 25 to March 11.
"That is exactly how we are going to see things (taking the aggressive option). It's about managing your expectations. You want to score a hundred every game, and you've failed if you don't. But in India, it might be that case that a run-a-ball 60 is match-winning, 200 might be a good score on some pitches," Pope said while speaking to The Telegraph.
The right-handed batter highlighted the importance of countering both Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja effectively for England to have a chance of victory.
"There's threat to both edges as a right-hander. Ashwin is probably the best spinner in the world, but (Ravindra) Jadeja and Axar are spinning the ball away from the bat sharply. It's knowing how you want to score; taking on the bowler and putting them under pressure. It's a tough place to go and win, but we will give it as much of a crack as we can playing our way."
Pope attributed his success to Stokes and McCullum, while also adding that his injury during the Ashes 2023 was a blessing in disguise.
"Firstly as a player I have improved in the last couple of years. That is partly due to Stokes and McCullum, and the environment they've created. You feel settled in the team, rather than like if you have a bad game you are going to be dropped. Psychologically that has helped. But although you try not to think about it, you are always fighting for your place in Test cricket. What happened in the Ashes after I got injured was great. I will try to improve my game and get as ready as I can, then selection is out of my control."
