Updated: 09 March 2024
IND vs ENG: Bazball vs The Wall; England’s Performance Under Brendon McCullum vs India’s Legacy With Rahul Dravid. History was made on Monday, 26 Feb when team India coached by Rahul Dravid beat England by 5 wickets in Ranchi and sealed the series. Rohit Sharma became the first captain to win a series against England in the “Bazball” era. Media created this name to refer to the ultra-aggressive strategy that defined England’s test cricket under coach Brendon McCullum, fondly called Baz. Now it is questioned.
Team India beat much hyped Bazball team led by Ben Stokes in the 5th test match by and innings and 64 runs and clinched the series by 4-1.
The entry of Bazball saved England from a downslide in March 2022 where they won only one out of seventeen matches played under Joe Root’s captaincy. They lost in India, at home, during the Down Under Ashes, and also in West Indies. By that time Ben Stokes took over as captain and with the guidance of McCullum they found the required formula to win Test matches.
There is no fear or hesitation on Bazball; its thing is taking head-on confrontations. It involves playing attacking cricket where losing is part of growth; think about Stokes’ fearless declaration at 393/8 during the opening Ashes Test at Edgbaston in 2023. McCullum who was known for similar playing style and leadership scored 6453 runs in 101 tests which featured four double centuries and a historical triple century on the second innings of a Test match
Also Read: IPL 2024: 5 Indian Batsmen To Watch Out For In The Tournament
From Crisis to Triumph: The Emergence of Bazball
In response to England’s consecutive Test defeats, the England Cricket Board (ECB) took decisive action by firing head coach Chris Silverwood and witnessing captain Joe Root resign. Notably, two notable cricket figures were appointed to these vacant positions; Ben Stokes as captain and former New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum as head coach.
England’s recent Test performances bear witness to a highly effective strategic shift orchestrated by this dynamic duo who have taken up the vacancies. During that time, England won comprehensive victories over both New Zealand and India through extraordinary resilience
England under the leadership of Ben Stokes and guidance of Brendon McCullum in an unbelievable series of tests has shown an incredible show of ability. They managed impressive wins against tough opponents and chased difficult targets in each match.
From overcoming New Zealand with ease to staging remarkable comebacks against India, England’s resurgence can be attributed to the aggressive and innovative tactics encapsulated by what fans and pundits have coined as ‘Bazball.
Also Read: Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 Schedule PDF Download
Brendon McCullum’s Coaching Stats & Records
| Series | Result | Winner | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Zealand tour of England | 3-0 | England | 2022 |
| Pataudi Trophy | 2-2 | Draw | 2022 |
| Basil D’Oliveira Trophy (South Africa in England) | 2-1 | England | 2022 |
| England tour of Pakistan | 3-0 | England | 2022 |
| England tour of New Zealand | 1-1 | Draw | 2023 |
| Ireland tour of England | 1-0 | England | 2023 |
| The Ashes (Australia tour of England) | 2-2 | Draw | 2023 |
| ENG tour of India | 4-1 | India | 2023-24 |
In cricket, there is a phrase that strikes a chord with both fans and players alike: “The Wall”. It is more than a nickname but rather shows how exceptionally talented Rahul Dravid was as a former Indian cricketer. Consequently, Dravid’s name became synonymous with perseverance, outstanding batting technique, and his ability to anchor his team innings with determination that never wavered.
Rahul Dravid’s cricket reputation is the stuff of folklore, owing to over 10,000 runs in Tests and ODIs alongside belonging to an elite cluster of players who have scored at least 36 Test tons; he has been an unmatchable influence on the bat. However, what consolidated this impact was that he was instrumental in India’s greatest victories including the ICC World Cup in 2011 and ICC Champions Trophy in 2002 all of which became legendary tales of cricket.
Also Read: IPL 2024: 5 Overseas Batsmen To Watch Out For In The Tournament
Rahul Dravid’s Transition From Player To Coach
After the T20 World Cup 2021, Rahul Dravid assumed the position of India’s head coach for all formats. He has brilliantly taught the game to the Indian national side. Keeping the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and also winning against strong teams like New Zealand, South Africa and Sri Lanka has without doubt made him one of the best leaders for his team throughout their highest level matches played inside India where they are now standing today.
Rahul Dravid’s Coaching Stats & Records
| Series | Result | Winner | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| India v New Zealand Test Match (in England) | 1-0 | New Zealand | 2021 |
| New Zealand in India Test Series | 1-0 | India | 2021/22 |
| Freedom Trophy (India in South Africa) | 2-1 | South Africa | 2021/22 |
| Sri Lanka in India Test Series | 2-0 | India | 2021/22 |
| Pataudi Trophy (India in England) | 2-2 | Drawn | 2021-22 |
| India in Bangladesh Test Series | 2-0 | India | 2022/23 |
| Border-Gavaskar Trophy (Australia in India) | 2-1 | India | 2022/23 |
| India in West Indies Test Series | 1-0 | India | 2023 |
| Freedom Trophy (India in South Africa) | 1-1 | Drawn | 2023/24 |
| IND vs ENG | 4-1 | India | 2023-24 |
Also Read: HBL PSL 2024: All 6 Teams Captain, Head Coach And Full Coaching Staff List
India performed well at ICC tournaments by reaching the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup 2022 and putting up a brave fight during the World Test Championship but failed to mount this success to secure the titles. Such was also their fate in the ODI world cup where they were dominant until the semi-finals only to lose to Australia in the showdown with Dravid as a guide.
