Under the leadership of Ben Stokes, the team clinched a thrilling victory in the first Test of the series by 28 runs, bouncing back from a 190-run first-innings deficit. Despite a valiant effort in the second Test while chasing 399 to win, England fell short.The five-match series is now level at 1-1, with the third Test beginning in Rajkot on February 15.
India endured tense moments before clinching victory in the second Test, as England showcased their aggressive batting, led by Zak Crawley’s 73-run knock.
Asked about his views on ‘Bazball’, Stuart Broad told IANS: “I love it. The eries is one-all (1-1) at the moment, but I think ‘Bazball’ has proven that it can work in every country. I think Hyderabad’s performance is the most impressive performance of the England team.
“We won in Pakistan 3-0, we played well in New Zealand. So ‘Bazball’ is a mentality that is driving the game forward. That’s very entertaining for the crowd too.”
“Well, I think, it was a wonderful spectacle watching the Test in Hyderabad and watching West Indies beat Australia at Gabba; that was just spectacular Test match cricket,” he added.
Talking about Virat Kohli‘s absence in the series, he said, “It’s a shame for the series that he will be missing but India have won the last Test. Kohli is such a quality player, his passion, his fire, but obviously personal matters always take precedence. But it gives a great opportunity to young players also. So someone in the Indian batting line-up will stand up at some stage.”
Asked if his fans could see him play again in leagues like SA20, the Test great said: “The way my mind works, I finished (retired) playing Ashes cricket, lucky enough to hit my last ball for a six and take a wicket on my last ball. I don’t think you’ll see me bowling again.”
(With IANS inputs)