Former Australian opener David Warner has cast doubts on England’s ability to succeed with their aggressive “Bazball” approach in the upcoming Ashes series in Australia. Warner, who retired from international cricket last year, believes the strategy that worked well in England and some overseas conditions may struggle on Australian pitches due to their extra bounce and pace. He pointed out that the high-risk nature of “Bazball” could backfire against Australia’s tactical field placements and experienced bowling attack.

David Warner raises concerns about ‘Bazball’ in Australia

Warner questioned whether England would still rely on their ultra-attacking brand of cricket in Australia. He emphasized that while “Bazball” has worked in certain conditions, it is unlikely to be as effective on Australian surfaces. According to Warner, Test cricket in Australia often requires patience and endurance, whereas “Bazball” encourages quick scoring and aggression, which might not be sustainable on bouncy pitches.

“I don’t know if ‘Bazball’ is still a thing in England, but I just can’t see it working in Australia,” said Warner as quoted by BBC.

The former batter highlighted three key reasons why he believes England’s approach could falter. First, he stated that Australia’s lively pitches, with their extra bounce and carry, could make it difficult for England’s aggressive stroke play to be effective, increasing the chances of dismissals.

Second, he pointed out that Test matches in Australia often stretch into the fourth and fifth days, requiring teams to adapt and play long innings—something “Bazball” doesn’t typically allow. Lastly, Warner recalled how Australia’s field settings in the 2023 Ashes limited England’s attacking options, and he expects similar tactics to be deployed again.

“With the bounce and the types of fields Australia set last time in England, it would be a high-risk approach. You want to wear out the pitch and take the game into days four and five, and that style doesn’t really allow for that,” explained Warner.

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Warner’s return in The Hundred

Apart from his Ashes predictions, Warner is set to return to Lord’s for The Hundred, where he will play for London Spirit. The Australian cricketer has often faced a hostile reception from English crowds at the venue, particularly after the infamous ball-tampering scandal. However, Warner remains optimistic about his stint in the tournament, acknowledging that while he may still face some booing, he hopes the fans will support his team.

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