South African cricket icon AB de Villiers believes that Joe Root, the star England batsman, has deviated from his natural playing style due to England’s adoption of the ‘Bazball’ strategy.
In the current five-Test series against India, Root has managed to score only 77 runs across six innings, with several of his dismissals coming under intense criticism. Notably, a reverse-sweep shot off Jasprit Bumrah that led to the right-hander being caught in the slips has drawn significant scrutiny.
He was one of the best Test batters I have ever played against- AB de Villiers on Joe Root
In a video on his YouTube channel, AB de Villiers shared his thoughts on how the ‘Bazball’ approach has impacted Joe Root’s batting style.
When I played against him (Root), I felt he was one of the best Test batters I have ever played against. But that has changed and it’s because of Bazball. I know it’s a big statement but the ones that you find hardest to play against in Test match cricket are the ones who are hardest to get out. And now he is getting out on reverse sweeps and kind of blowing out of his norm. I don’t like that.”
AB de Villiers added,
Players like these (Root) should be told , ‘Listen, you just go out and play your natural game. You’re the glue of this batting line-up.’ Let Ben Duckett or Ben Stokes play aggressively. Let Root bat long.”
Jasprit Bumrah has managed to dismiss Joe Root an impressive nine times in Test cricket. With the leading fast bowler being rested for the Ranchi Test, this presents an excellent chance for Root to rediscover his form and score some runs, potentially offering a much-needed boost to the visiting team.
That’s what Test cricket is all about- AB de Villiers
By the close of Day 2 in the Rajkot Test, England had positioned themselves strongly at 207/2, seemingly dominating the hosts. Yet, Day 3 witnessed a dramatic turnaround as the visitors experienced a stunning collapse, thereby conceding a substantial first innings lead of 126 runs to India.
AB de Villiers expressed his view that although ‘Bazball’ offers an entertaining brand of cricket, England should exercise more discretion in selecting when to attack. He said,
I like what Bazball represents, which is aggressive cricket, but I have said this that I want players to confront different situations and that’s what Test cricket is all about. To predetermine a way you’re going to play in Test cricket is very dangerous.”
England just needed to bat normally to give themselves a chance- AB de Villiers on England’s approach in Rajkot Test
Commenting on England’s even more disastrous collapse in the second innings, where they were dismissed for just 122 runs, AB de Villiers remarked,
England just needed to bat normally to give themselves a chance to either draw or chase the total down in the fourth innings. They needed a big partnership and needed to play the situation, which unfortunately didn’t happen in that innings.”
Under intense scrutiny from both the English media and former cricketers of the nation regarding their approach, the visiting team will undoubtedly encounter a significant test of character in Ranchi.
Also Read: https://goworldwide.co.in/brendon-mccullum-backs-star-batter-joe-root/