In the ongoing Ashes 2023 series, Australian cricket legend Ricky Ponting has showered praise upon England for their fearless and audacious approach, known as “Bazball.” Ponting specifically hailed Ben Stokes for his unconventional field placement that outwitted Usman Khawaja.
England has embraced the Bazball philosophy, which emerged under the leadership of Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum in April of the previous year. In the first Test of Ashes 2023, England declared their innings at 393-8, with Joe Root unbeaten on 118.
During the match, Ben Stokes surprised everyone with a unique fielding arrangement to dismiss the dangerous Usman Khawaja on Day 3. Khawaja had been tormenting the English bowlers with his century until Stokes devised a plan to apply pressure on the Australian opener. The unorthodox field placement eventually led to Khawaja’s downfall, as Ollie Robinson dismissed him for 141.
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Speaking about the bold approach of England in Ashes 2023, Ricky Ponting expressed his admiration on The ICC Review. He highlighted the team’s courage to play Bazball against Australia, acknowledging that the question of whether they would adopt such a style had been answered.
“The way that they want to play, this bold new approach to Test match cricket, trying to make bold decisions at any stage in the game where they can…that’s a sign of what’s to come, but also a sign of this change of attitude from the current England team,” commented Ponting.
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Ponting also lauded Ben Stokes for his proactive captaincy and tactical brilliance against Usman Khawaja. He praised Stokes for constantly altering the field and making bowling changes to unsettle the Australian batsman.
“It’s hard to keep up with them all, he’s making a change almost every ball, which is great, it’s proactive captaincy. He’s always trying to move the game forward, looking at any little way that he possibly can to pick up a wicket and change the momentum of the game,” Ponting remarked.
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Reflecting on Khawaja’s innings, Ponting marveled at the unprecedented field placement implemented by Stokes. An umbrella of fielders surrounded the batsman’s face, aimed at bowling slower deliveries and yorkers. Eventually, Khawaja attempted to maneuver, exposing his stumps, only to have his off stump dislodged by a well-executed yorker.
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen a field like that in Test cricket before…and it was all about bowling a couple of slower balls and being able to bowl a yorker. And sure enough, Khawaja used his feet, gave himself some room, gave up his stumps, and the yorker knocked his off stump out of the ground,” concluded Ponting.
Meanwhile, at the close of Day 3, England secured a 35-run lead, reaching 28-2 in their second innings. In the first innings, England posted a score of 393-8 (declared), while Australia was dismissed for 386. The match promises to provide more enthralling moments as both teams strive for supremacy in the Ashes battle.
