Cricket News: England Director Rob Key reveals how Bazball works

Although he does not like the word, which is the term used for England's new attacking approach to Test cricket under their coach Brendon McCullum, their newfound strategy has surprised him. "I never thought it would work like this," as stated by Key. "There will be times when it won't work, but for now, it's been fantastic to see," he added. Rob Key became the managing director in April after England had secured just one win in 17 Tests.

Rob Key then spoke about McCullum's way by revealing how the coach worked with Ollie Pope, who was unable to reserve a spot on the Test side despite his talent. The Ashes debacle had sown a seed of self-doubt in him, and he was left out of the series in West Indies. Key disclosed that the coach would purposefully motivate one of the players, like Ollie Pope, to get them back into the game. 

"I can't get to the ground; give us a lift," said Brendon, and that's how he brings back his players. Ollie received a call from Brendon, who informed him about his selection to the squad. He was also told to bat at number three, which boosted his confidence, as stated by Ollie. They must have needed someone to take the pressure off them a little bit, as Key mentioned. Brendon wanted someone who could push the talented players in the squad to play their best versions of cricket. 

The England cricket team is more than just Bazball

Despite Rob Key's disapproval, he stated that he is not 'mad' about the term "Bazball." However, he thinks the term devalues what England has been doing, and the head coach himself said something similar about the back in a podcast with former cricketer Adam Gilchrist. Key explained that it is not about going out there and attempting to play shots. He cited Joe Root's character as a sportsman to make people understand what Key is trying to say. Root does not just go out there to play shots. In an exchange about the recent series against New Zealand and India, Key sounded happy about how they played against quality opposition, considering he initially had low expectations. 

Stokes and McCullum initiated England's revival

Although it wasn't planned, Stokes and McCullum were responsible for the spectacular showdown. So, Key stressed how important it is for a player to have their agency of thought and the type of people they bring in. "And the way the guys played, they've got the best out of so many of those guys," continued Key. England's new style of Test cricket under the captaincy of Ben Stokes has taken off with power, and they've already grabbed four wins in a row. The wins have resuscitated England, who hit a rough patch in the era of Joe Root, where the team was drubbed in India, Australia and then in the West Indies.

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