Ashes 2023: England proved that ‘Bazball’ could work against the best bowling attack, says Justin Langer
By India Today Sports Desk: Former Australia batter and head coach Justin Langer has heaped praise on England, saying they proved that ‘Bazball’ could work against the best bowling attack in the world. Australia retained the Ashes after the fourth Test of the series ended in a draw after rain played spoilsport and washed out the entire final day.
Writing for The Telegraph, Langer admitted that he finally understood what England were trying to do in the fourth Test, insisting that they proved that their style of play could work against the best bowling attack in the world. England has Australia on the ropes, having picked five wickets on Day 4. However, rain played spoilsport and washed out the entire Day 5 to save Australia from what could be their second defeat of the series.
“England might not have won the Ashes this time but, on the second afternoon of the fourth Test I finally understood what they were doing and why they were doing it. That was some of the most awe-inspiring cricket I have seen for a very long time. It was absolutely breath-taking to watch, and proved to me that this style of play could work against the best bowling attack in the world,” wrote Langer.
He added that England executed their plan to perfection before being defied by the rain. England had posted 592 runs in their first innings in Manchester, and had Australia struggling at 214 for 5 in their second innings after bowling them out for 317 in the first innings.
“They executed their plan to perfection for three days, before being defied by the rain. They have a strategy and a blueprint, and showed how ruthless they can be for long periods, and that it works against the very best teams, even the World Test Champions,” Langer added.
With Australia leading the five-match series 2-1, they are set to face England in the fifth and final Test of the series at the Kennington Oval in London on July 27.
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