Cricket

Former players draw comparison between 'Bazball' and MS Dhoni's style of play following Australia's win in 1st Test of Ashes 2023

Bazball has come under the scanner a lot these days and pundits have given their views on that approach after the first Ashes Test

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Daniel S
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Ben Stokes and MS Dhoni

Ben Stokes and MS Dhoni (Source: Twitter)

Australia achieved a stunning two-wicket triumph at Edgbaston to win the first Test in the Ashes series. After the visitors had some difficulties during the run-chase, Australia's captain Pat Cummins (44*) produced a captain's knock in the 281-run chase. After Cummins partnered with Alex Carey at the crease, the team was in trouble at 209/7. Australia had recently dropped the vital wicket of in-form batsman Usman Khawaja (65), but Cummins kept cool under pressure, forming partnerships with Carey (20) and Lyon (16*) to lead the Aussies to a storied victory.

The quality of the cricket on the show also delighted the ex-cricketers on Twitter. Soon after Cummins scored the winning runs, veteran India batter Virender Sehwag praised both teams.

Sehwag took to Twitter to discuss the doings of the match and appreciate the efforts shown by both teams. He wrote, “What a Test Match. One of the best I have seen in recent times. Test cricket is Best Cricket. Was a gutsy decision by England to declare just before close on Day 1, especially considering the weather. But Khawaja was outstanding in both innings and @patcummins30 is the new Mr. Cool in Test cricket. What an innings under pressure and that partnership with Lyon was one to remember for a long time.”

Here's what Virender Sehwag wrote on Twitter: 

During the first Ashes Test, former South Africa skipper AB de Villiers, who has been somewhat active on Twitter, praised both teams for playing a "fantastic" game of cricket. The former RCB batter wrote, “Wow! What a fantastic game of Cricket. Run rate still good! Well played both team! Test Cricket at its best.”

Here's how AB de Villiers reacted to Australia's win in Ashes 2023: 

De Villiers attempted to make meaning out of England's declaration move in a subsequent tweet, citing parallels to MS Dhoni's leadership during the Indian Premier League. He said, “I never looked at the Birmingham weather leading up to this Test match. The way England played now makes sense. Call it what you want, some say Bazz Ball, I just think it’s smart Cricket. The best teams are prepared to adapt and play situations in a way that’ll ultimately put them in a winning position more often than the rest, whether that’s by making bold declarations or playing reverse sweeps a lot, whatever it takes. The only way to make it impactful is to have a complete buy in from every individual, no ego’s, no stats driven players, just a full on buy in to be the best team in the world. That’s how I see the Eng team play atm. Also saw that with MSD and co. in the IPL.”

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