Bazball

A TIMES, GUARDIAN, TELEGRAPH AND WATERSTONES BEST SPORT BOOK OF THE YEAR

‘Gripping’ Roger Alton, Sunday Times

The inside story of how England transformed the way Test cricket is played.

For 145 years, Test cricket had adhered largely to traditional strategies and styles, with change coming slowly, if at all. However, by the beginning of the summer of 2022, the English Test cricket team faced a dismal record—only one win in 17 matches. It was clear that the old methods were no longer effective, and a transformation was urgently needed.

This revolution came in the form of 'Bazball'—an aggressive, fearless, and dynamic approach to Test cricket driven by the newly appointed head coach Brendon McCullum, affectionately known as ‘Baz’, and the charismatic captain Ben Stokes. Under their leadership, the English team embarked on a journey that reinvigorated the traditional format, making it more exciting and unpredictable.

Bazball chronicles this fascinating transformation through a blend of in-depth interviews with key players and insightful ringside reporting. The book records how the team smashed records and silenced critics by winning 11 out of their first 13 games under the new regime. What was once a directionless and often mocked team became the most talked-about side in the cricketing world.

Updated to include the challenges and triumphs of England's tour of India, this new edition of Bazball also looks forward to the future, speculating on the next era of this thrilling cricketing philosophy. Capturing both the tactical intricacies and the emotional highs and lows, this book is a must-read for any cricket enthusiast or sports fan interested in witnessing one of the most exciting revolutions in sporting history.

Whether you are a seasoned cricket fan or new to the sport, Bazball offers an unparalleled look at a moment in time when English cricket turned the corner and changed the game forever.