England's transformation in Test cricket since Brendon McCullum was appointed the head coach of the team has been glaringly conspicuous. With just one victory in their previous 17 matches before the three-match Test series against New Zealand earlier in the year, the Three Lions had sunk to a new low in red-ball cricket. Grappling to resurrect their fortunes in the most testing format of the sport, the England Cricket Board turned to McCullum for inspiration.
What has transpired since then has been nothing short of historic and noteworthy. To provide a little context, in the 145-year Test history, the target of over 275 runs has been successfully chased down 57 times. England, meanwhile, nailed four run chases in access of 275 runs in succession since the former New Zealand captain took over the reins.
The brand of cricket England has played under McCullum has been refreshing to watch. Even though the sample size remains small, 'Bazball', as it is called, has completely transformed England's dwindling fortunes in Test cricket.
While most cricket pundits and fans have applauded England's fearless approach in Test cricket, South Africa Test captain Dean Elgar recently downplayed 'Bazball' by saying that the approach has no 'longevity'.
Reacting to Elgar's remark, England's wicket-keeper batter Sam Billings said that it would be 'pretty stupid' for any side to neglect the Three Lions' new template in Test cricket.
"We’ve (England Lions) beaten an international team over four days by an innings in a manner of scoring 5.74 an over. You’d be pretty stupid to ignore that, if I’m honest," Billings was quoted as saying by Daily Mail.
"So, it’s up to them, really, but I think that’s laid out a pretty strong statement in the way we want the cricket to be played, but also being able to execute it and having the players to do that was really impressive," the 31-year-old added.
Earlier, in an interview with Wisden Cricket Monthly, Elgar made an interesting comment on 'Bazball' that provoked Billings' to defend his team's new approach.
"The new England style is quite interesting. But I don't see that there's longevity in brave cricket because I see things evening out over time in Test cricket," the South Africa skipper had said.
"There was often parity between England and New Zealand and had New Zealand taken their opportunities, and their catches, then things could have been very different. England would have come away with egg on their faces," he added.
The verbal volleys have already begun as South Africa and England are gearing up to cross swords in a three-match Test series, starting August 17.
