Former England cricketer Ian Botham heaped praises on England’s Bazball approach, saying their way of playing is drawing the crowds in stadiums in Test matches. Since Brendan McCullum joined as England’s head coach, England have been playing an attacking brand of cricket in Test matches. They have been scoring runs at a quick run rate and has largely been successful in winning Test matches. Botham believes England have been successful with their approach in reigniting public interest in the longest format of the game.
“You just have to look at the crowds. The crowds are now starting to come back to Test cricket,” Botham told ‘SENQ 693’. “Playing against India 20-30 years ago in India, the grounds were heaving. Suddenly, the IPL came along and so did one-day cricket and the crowds then plummeted. People are now coming back and wanting to see (Bazball).”
England’s former captain also presented the stats since Ben Stokes took over England’s captaincy and said the team has won more matches that they have lost.
“You are entertainers at the end of the day and if you want people to come to the games, you have to entertain. They don’t want to see someone score 1.2 runs per hour, you want to see guys just boss the game.
“You are going to lose one or two games here or there but England have played 15 and won 12. England sells out games across all five days now which was just unheard of.
“Test cricket is now healthier than it has been for a long time,” said Botham.