Darren Lehmann has expressed doubts about the efficacy of England’s aggressive ‘Bazball’ style when they face Australia this summer. Under Brendon McCullum’s coaching, England has embraced this bold approach, which has yielded mixed results—failing to secure the Ashes at home two years ago but achieving success against other Test nations.
As England prepares for a significant Test series against India later this year, where they are favoured to win, Lehmann added a caveat. He believes while England will likely perform strongly at home, the real test will come when they tour Australia, having not won a Test match there for approximately 15 years. He stated, “England will win at home, that’s just what happens… they will dominate and settle a lot of questions.” However, he pointed out that the upcoming series in Australia will be markedly different, presenting significant challenges for the visitors.
Lehmann’s commentary aligns with retired Australian batsman David Warner’s dismissal of the notion that England could reclaim the Ashes on Australian soil. With a formidable bowling lineup, Australia will be keen to maintain their grip on cricket’s cherished trophy. Lehmann acknowledged Warner’s understanding of the game and suggested that while ‘Bazball’ can thrive on placid pitches, it may falter when conditions become more challenging. “I can’t see them performing under that sort of pressure,” Lehmann noted, highlighting the unpredictability of pitch conditions and its impact on performance.
As the cricketing landscape evolves, England’s adoption of this daring playing style will face its toughest scrutiny in the heat of competition in Australia, leaving much to be seen about their ability to adapt and succeed where they have previously struggled.