Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has openly admitted something few would expect from a staunch Aussie — he enjoys watching Bazball.
The legendary batter praised England’s attacking Test cricket style under coach Brendon McCullum, saying it has matured into a more calculated and effective strategy compared to its early days.
In an interview with The Times, Ponting said he believed England had improved significantly since the last Ashes and that Australia would be better prepared to face them next time, having already experienced Bazball in the 2023 series in England.
“I’m as Aussie as anyone and I love watching the way they play,” Ponting said. “The Aussies embraced it and learnt about it last time they were here. Now they’ll understand a slightly more refined version of what England started a few years ago.”
Since McCullum took over, England have transformed their Test game, dominating most home series. But Ponting noted it wasn’t smooth sailing at first.
“When it began, it felt like Joe Root got a bit carried away and changed his game. Now he’s back to playing naturally. Ollie Pope is aggressive by instinct, Stokes actually has the lowest strike rate since it started, while Duckett and Crawley have been the tone-setters,” Ponting said.
Lessons from India’s Missed Opportunities
Ponting also pointed to India’s recent 2-2 draw against England as a case study in how Bazball can turn a series around if opponents fail to adapt quickly.
“They (England) probably hold the key in Australia. If their top order can bat well and set the tone, they’ll have a real chance,” he said. “That’s just how they play — they put immediate pressure on the bowlers. You have to adjust straight away, and that’s where India fell short.”
With the next Ashes still on the horizon, Ponting’s remarks suggest Australia are already factoring Bazball into their long-term plans — and that England’s ever-evolving approach will continue to shape cricket’s biggest battles.
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