Is the Bazball approach being too heavy for England?

The recently concluded T20I series between India and England was a one-sided affair, with India dominating the contest from start to finish. England struggled to find any answers to India’s aggressive and varied approach, eventually losing the series 4-1. The only bright spot for the visitors came in the third T20I in Rajkot, where they secured a 26-run victory, breaking India's winning streak. Former Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin weighed in on England’s performance, suggesting that their predictable, one-dimensional strategy was a key factor in their downfall. Ashwin noted that England’s approach lacked the adaptability required to cope with India’s all-around strength. Whether it was their batting, bowling, or fielding, India’s depth and tactical variations kept the English team on the back foot throughout the series.

In contrast, England's inability to shift gears when needed or adjust their plans in the face of India’s dominance became evident. Ashwin's insight highlighted the importance of having flexibility in approach, particularly when playing against a team as balanced and adaptable as India. England's failure to do so cost them dearly, as they found themselves unable to recover from India’s pressure, culminating in a series loss that left much to be desired in terms of strategic execution.

"If I was England, I would be really worried, because they play Bazball, one-day and T20 cricket...all that is fine. One can talk about it as much as they want, sometimes they pull off wins too. But, I think they are losing more than they are winning so it is a serious matter of concern," shared Ravichandran Ashwin in a video on his YouTube channel.

Since 2024, England’s record in T20 internationals has been underwhelming, with just 11 wins from 22 matches. One of their most disappointing results came in the 2024 T20 World Cup semi-final, where they faced India. Chasing a target of 172, England crumbled under pressure, managing a mere 103 runs in just 16.4 overs, losing by a massive 68-run margin. The defeat highlighted several issues in their batting approach, as they failed to adapt to the conditions or put up a fight against India’s strong bowling attack. England's inability to chase down a moderate total like 172 reflected a lack of resilience, which has been a recurring theme in their recent T20 outings. With such inconsistent performances, England’s T20I setup will need to reassess their strategies and find a way to bounce back in the upcoming series and tournaments.

England's recent T20I struggles continued with a dismal performance at the Wankhede Stadium, where they were set a daunting target of 248. The chase quickly turned into a collapse, as England were bowled out for just 97 runs. Wicketkeeper-batter Phil Salt top-scored with 55, but his efforts couldn’t prevent a heavy 150-run defeat — England's largest loss by runs in T20I history. This follows a similar disastrous outing in Guyana, where England’s batting fell apart in a crucial match against India.

Now, with their backs against the wall, England will shift focus to the upcoming three-match ODI series against India, starting on February 3. The 50-over format offers England a chance to regroup and fine-tune their strategies, especially as they prepare for the Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan. For the defending champions, this series will be a final test ahead of the marquee event, where they will look to rediscover their rhythm and sharpen their white-ball skills, after a series of underwhelming T20 performances.