Australian cricket great Greg Chappell took a swipe at England's 'Bazball' approach in their just-concluded Test series against India, saying aggressive intent must never take precedence over rational decision-making in tight spots.
Writing in his ESPNcricinfo column, Chappell complimented India's young team on their boldness and criticized the mistakes of England, specifically that of upstart Harry Brook. While praising the talent of Brook, Chappell questioned his choice of shots at critical junctures.
"England's own adventure in this series features a warning subplot - one personified by the talented but volatile Harry Brook, whose qualities I have publicly lauded previously," said the ex-India head coach.
"He has time, range, confidence, and that precious ability to make batting look easy. But cricket, and Test cricket in particular, is not an art of shot-making. It's an art of judgement. Of recognizing when the moment calls for attack - and when it calls for restraint," he said.
England looked set to achieve a record chase at The Oval, climbing to 301/3 while chasing 374, before the loss of Brook triggered a collapse that saw them lose the last Test by six runs. The thrilling conclusion meant the five-match series concluded 2-2.
In Chappell's view, Brook's attempt to play an expansive shot when a steady hand was required exposed a deeper problem within England's current policy.
"Brook's dismissal at The Oval, when the game was delicately balanced, was symptomatic of the dilemma confronting the England setup. The 'Bazball' way – of aggressive, attacking cricket – has reinvigorated their Test team. But it cannot be an alibi for not doing the hard yards.".
'.all England required was for one batsman to keep his cool. To take the pressure. Brook went for the glory shot – and died,'" he added.
Chappell was adamant in his differentiation between clever aggression and wanton risk-taking, asserting that mature judgment has to go with attacking instincts.
"There's nothing wrong with optimism. But positive cricket doesn't equal reckless cricket. It equates to confident, calculated risk-taking," he said.
Looking to the future, Chappell predicted that Brook has all the potential to become a long-term batting cornerstone for England, but will have to marry flair with resilience in order to get up to the standard of someone like Joe Root.
"Brook is coming through, and he will learn. But to be the match-winner that England require, he needs to accept the grind as well as the glamour. Root didn't become England's most productive batter by playing pretty shots all the time.".
He worked for it with determination. Brook will have to do the same if he is to realize his huge potential," he added.
Chappell was also lavish in his praise for the overall intensity and drama of the series, which he feels will be remembered long after the final scoreline.
Looking at the physical and emotional strain the matches had on both the sides, Chappell observed, "The subplots. The redefinition of roles. Both sides were tested – physically, tactically, emotionally."
But in his opinion, India gained more out of the series apart from even leveling the score.
"But it was India who emerged as moral victors. They won clarity. Identity. Purpose," he summed up.
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