Holding the fearless captaincy of Ben Stokes and fresh innovation of Brendon McCullum, the England cricket team has taken a new approach to Test match batting, using aggressive and exhilarating methods often referred to as ‘Bazball’.
This attacking philosophy has produced some of the most historic fourth-innings runs in Test history and a couple of gut-wrenching near misses.
What Is Bazball?
Bazball’s a term coined for England’s super positive, very aggressive style of Test cricket that was born from the imagination and leadership of head coach Brendon “Baz” McCullum. The main points of this style are aggressive batting, a positive intent, and an aim for victory by determining to not drawing. This represents a significant shift away from conventional strategies around Test cricket.
The Top 5 Bazball innings of England
1. 378/3 vs India – Edgbaston 2022
Result: England won by 7 wickets
Target: 378
In 2022, England produced their most audacious example of Bazball at Edgbaston, making chasing down India’s mammoth 378 runs look extremely simple, propelled by Joe Root (142 not out) and Jonny Bairstow (114 not out) simply hitting the ball.
Their counter-attacking batting against the best bowling unit in the world, comprising Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami, left the game in disbelief. They made Bazball look like a free-for-all sport with all the reverse sweeps and drives.
2. 373/5 vs India – Headingley 2025
Result: England won by 5 wickets
Target: 371
It was another Bazball epic at Headingley, as England took on the challenge of chasing 371, and in a high-scoring game on a flat pitch, they managed it to pull off a memorable victory. Ben Duckett’s 149-fire was the shot to demolish the Indians; he combined orthodox shots with the new paddles and sweeps such that the opposition looked like they were helpless.
Key contributions from Zak Crawley, Joe Root, and a decisive six from Jamie Smith closed the deal, demonstrating the depth and ferocity of this Bazball-age team.
3. 299/5 New Zealand – Trent Bridge 2022
Result: England by 5 wickets
Target: 299
One of the most thrilling Test chases, this game witnessed Jonny Bairstow thrash 136 off only 92 balls, comprising a 77-ball hundred — one of the quickest England Test centuries.
With Ben Stokes contributing a serene unbeaten 75 and Alex Lees setting the foundation, England’s enterprising approach dazed the Kiwi bowling and forever established Bazball as a success mantra.
4. 296/3 vs New Zealand – Headingley 2022
Result: England won by 7 wickets
Target: 296
England pulled off a run chase in only 54.2 overs, as before, thanks to Bairstow’s brilliance. His 71 from 44 balls, in addition to Joe Root’s and Ollie Pope’s rapid-fire half-centuries, ripped through New Zealand’s bowlers.
The match finished an overwhelming series victory for England and highlighted their new ruthlessness under the Bazball philosophy.
5. 279/5 vs New Zealand – Lord’s 2022
Result: England won by 4 wickets
Target: 277
This fixture saw the dawn of the Bazball era, with Joe Root’s 115 not out — his inaugural fourth-innings ton — helping England pursue a challenging target at Lord’s.
In company with Ben Foakes, he produced a calm but aggressive stand that was a harbinger of things to come from England’s attacking Test philosophy.
Bazball Seeks That Narrowly Missed: Near Misses Within 10 Runs
367 all out v India – The Oval 2025
Result: Lost by 6 runs
Target: 374
It was a heart-stopping thriller at The Oval as England came close to chasing 374 but missed by a mere seven runs. Harry Brook’s onslaught hundred and Joe Root’s 39th Test century had England sailing along until the collapse that turned things upside down.
With Chris Woakes out injured, Gus Atkinson shared the crease with him in a heroic one-handed effort to get to the finish. However, Mohammed Siraj had the ultimate say, bowling over Atkinson to secure victory for India and level the series at 2-2.
ALSO READ: List Of Five Wicket Hauls By Mohammed Siraj In Test Cricket
