Recent developments have seen former England skipper Michael Vaughan criticise Joe Root for using an unorthodox ‘Bazball’ strategy during the current Test series versus India. Root’s deviation from his usual method was questioned by Vaughan, who urged him to go back to what has earned him 10,000 Test runs.
In expressing his opinions, Vaughan emphasised Root’s experiments in Visakhapatnam after left-handed net practice. The criticism highlights the requirement for Root to remain true to his tried-and-true formula and adopt a more controlled attitude, particularly when facing spin, since he is regarded as one of England’s finest.
Michael Vaughan wrote in an article on Telegraph where he slammed Joe Root for this approach. He wrote, “They (England) are in fifth gear from ball one. I don’t mind some of them playing like that because they are better for it. But Joe Root should forget it. He has 10,000 Test runs playing like Joe Root. He doesn’t need to be a Bazballer. It is time for someone in the management to put an arm around Joe and say ‘please just be yourself’.”
The former batter added, “I think it’s as simple as the fact that he is too wrapped up in Bazball, the whole ethos of excitement and entertainment. This is particularly important against spin.”
“Joe has to be the rock” : Michael Vaughan
Vaughan requests management to help Root revert to his natural style of play. Vaughan highlights the necessity for Root to serve as the calming presence in the order, enabling others to take chances while acting as a stabilising factor after observing Root’s unusual reverse sweeps to miss the target in both innings.
The former England skipper said, “I knew something was up when I saw him get off the mark in both innings with reverse sweeps. He doesn’t play like that. He gets himself in, then takes risks. Let the firecrackers play like that. Joe has to be the rock, the calming influence while the madmen tee off around him.”
