Despite a dominant 4-1 series defeat in India, fans of England’s attacking brand of cricket under Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes remain firmly behind the ‘Bazball’ approach. England were outplayed by the formidable Indian batting lineup but the principles of positive, adventurous cricket that launched the Bazball era last summer are still resonating with supporters.
While the margin of loss was steep, it would take more than one series setback to sway those who have bought into the new style of play ushered in by McCullum and Stokes. According to Simon Finch, leader of England’s passionate traveling fan group The Barmy Army, fans are sticking by the team and approach. “Before Bazball we only won one of 17 games, now they are improved and will only get better,” said Finch.
The transformative impact of Bazball on energizing English cricket fans since its introduction last year remains evident. While results didn’t go their way in India, supporters appreciate the aggressive mentality and risk-taking that have made matches so thrilling and success against New Zealand and South Africa have shown what Bazball is capable of. One defeat won’t deter believers that this is the direction to take English cricket forward.
