Former England captains Nasser Hussain and Michael Vaughan have voiced their criticism of the team's 'Bazball' approach during the ongoing Test series against India. They argue that the visitors should prioritise adapting to the match situation rather than solely relying on an aggressive mindset.
India secured their largest-ever Test victory by defeating England by 434 runs in the third Test in Rajkot on February 18. Despite chasing a target of 557 runs, the tourists were dismissed for just 122. With the home side now leading 2-1 in the five-match series, the remaining matches will be held in Ranchi and Dharamsala.
"This was the worst defeat under (Ben) Stokes and Brendon McCullum, and one that exposed their method. They cannot take the aggressive at every opportunity, they have to pick their moments," Vaughan wrote in his column for "Telegraph.co.uk'.
Hussain echoed the sentiment
"Bazball is about being attacking but it is also about soaking up pressure," Hussain said on 'Sky Sports'.
India's Yashasvi Jaiswal, boasting two double centuries in the ongoing series, along with Shubman Gill (91) and debutant Sarfaraz Khan, exhibited patience in their innings in Rajkot. They took their time to settle at the crease before unleashing their strokes.
"They need to look at the way Jaiswal and Shubman Gill played on day three. They soaked up the pressure for 30 or 40 balls, and then they started to get boundaries.
Vaughan Praises India's Test Batting Display
"That is what Test batting is about. India have scored 875 runs in 228.5 overs. No one can tell me it's been boring watching India bat here," Vaughan said.
England's fortunes have taken a turn for the worse since their victory in the series opener in Hyderabad. The visiting team's batters have exhibited questionable decision-making, relinquishing the advantage to the hosts.
"...surely a defeat this heavy has to be a wake-up call for Ben Stokes and his players.
"England make out that everything is positive but they need to be having conversations about how to bat better," Vaughan said.
Struggling batter Joe Root has faced intense scrutiny for his dismissal in the third Test. His attempt at a reverse-scoop off Jasprit Bumrah resulted in a catch straight to second slip, triggering a collapse of sorts in the first innings.
Former England Captains Question Root's Shot Selection
"The way they played this week has gifted India a victory. I couldn't believe my eyes the way they batted on day three, especially Joe Root's shot," Vaughan said.
Hussain, Vaughan, and another former captain, Alastair Cook, raised doubts about the timing of Root's shot, particularly considering England's deficit of 221 runs.
"One thing Joe will look at is the timing of that. (Ravichandran) Ashwin wasn't there, India are down a bowler; (Ravindra) Jadeja is playing off the back of an injury; Bumrah is playing three Tests in a row and there is talk of him needing a rest.
"Get Bumrah into his second or third spell, take it deep and then play the shot later in the day," Hussain wrote.
Root had executed a similar shot with great success during the Ashes last year.
"When he played it to the first ball at Edgbaston, I didn't mind it at all because it was all about how many runs England were going to score that day to set up a game," Cook said on 'Sky Cricket'.
"It sent a real message to everyone in the changing room that England's best player is going to take on Australia. Root will be sitting in his room tonight going, 'I think I got that one wrong'."
At the end of day three of the second Test, pacer James Anderson confidently stated that England would pursue the target of 332 runs within 60-70 overs, only for them to ultimately lose by 106 runs. Ben Duckett echoed similar optimism last week, expressing that ‘the more, the better’ when discussing targets.
"They have to be careful that people around don't think they are smug, or above their station...they are in a bubble. All that matters is their dressing room, and fun. There is a bit more to Test cricket than that.
"This England team are hell bent on doing things their way, and 'saving Test cricket'...But ultimately they have to be better than that now. They didn't win in New Zealand, they didn't win the Ashes, and if they carry on like this, they are going to lose in India."
However, Cook and Hussain feel that England have the ability to stage a comeback in the upcoming two games.
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