Former Australian captain Tim Paine has criticised England's belief that they are revolutionising Test cricket with their "Bazball" approach, dismissing it as misguided. This follows England's 2-2 draw in the 2023 Ashes series, where they failed to reclaim the urn but retained their aggressive playing style.
The ECB's recent documentary on the Ashes highlights England captain Ben Stokes' assertion that their style of play will be remembered by those who witnessed it. However, Paine argued on SEN Tassie Breakfast that England's perception of their impact is inflated, noting their poor standing in the World Test Championship and calling them an average team. He also found Stokes' comments, particularly his response to Fox Sports, to be peculiar.
The 2023 Ashes saw England dominate the third and fourth Tests, but ultimately settle for a drawn series due to rain at Old Trafford. Despite not regaining the Ashes, Stokes emphasised to his team that their legacy goes beyond winning trophies, aiming to be remembered for their bold approach to the game. Fox Sports mocked Stokes' remarks, and Paine suggested that Stokes' motivational speech was taken out of context, though he still critiqued the overarching narrative of England's self-perception.
Paine's comments highlight the ongoing debate over England's aggressive strategy and its effectiveness on the international stage.