Ahead of the third IND vs ENG Test in Rajkot, England vice-captain Ollie Pope defended their aggressive cricket approach, commonly referred to as ‘Bazball’. Following their defeat in the second Test in Visakhapatnam, which leveled the series at 1-1, criticism arose regarding England’s batting strategy, particularly during their chase of 399.
Addressing reporters on the eve of the third Test, Pope clarified that the Bazball ideology wasn’t solely about reckless batting. He emphasized that each player in the team had their own batting style, and the approach varied depending on the situation.
According to Pope, the team’s strategy involved not only attacking but also absorbing pressure when necessary.
“Everyone bats differently in this team. We’re not allowed to say Bazball, but the start that we’re making isn’t always about attacking. A lot of the time it’s about absorbing pressure when we need to absorb pressure,” he explained.
Pope himself played a pivotal role in England’s victory in the first Test in Hyderabad, where his remarkable 196-run innings contributed significantly to their success.
With Rajkot known for its favourable batting conditions, Pope expressed anticipation for the upcoming match, suggesting he would likely thrive on the pitch.
