I’ve conversed with England’s skipper Ben Stokes right after two losses on this Ashes tour.
The Stokes I met following the Brisbane defeat was quite a contrast to the one I saw after the loss in Perth.
He clearly had a message to convey. Stokes spoke past the interviewer, addressing the fans back home directly. He had a specific point to make, and he articulated it forcefully.
In my view, the Bazball concept is finished. This doesn’t imply that the team personnel needs to shift or administrations should be ousted—those decisions will occur after the series—but it signifies England has realized their approach to Test cricket requires a shift.
When Stokes and Brendon McCullum took charge of England in 2022, their philosophy was needed. It brought a refreshing change.
Yet, it wasn’t sustainable. Competent teams could easily figure it out. England lost track of their narrative, which spun out of control and led to losses.
Currently, Stokes seems to have recognized something about the Australian squad. When he mentioned his dressing room is “not a place for weak men,” he was drawing a comparison to Australia’s style of playing cricket.
They avoid careless shots, embrace pressure, and ensure not to pass the responsibility to the next player.
However, if Stokes and McCullum are scrutinizing the players’ mindset, they must also reflect on themselves.
Did England fall into this situation due to pressure or an expectation to play in a specific way?
When England collapses, it’s often the batting. Are players batting comfortably, or are they pressured to conform?
Interestingly, on the fourth day of the second Test, Stokes showed a pragmatic approach together with Will Jacks.
Recall early in his captaincy when Stokes walked to the crease, charged down the pitch, and sent catches to mid-off.
The captain was demonstrating to his team how to play, indicating that if he gets dismissed this way, it would not have repercussions for others.
Now, there’s a hint of change. It’s a positive sign for the remaining tour and the future of this England side.
It’s also an indication that Stokes and McCullum should rethink the messaging of recent years.
There’s also the matter of whether players feel free to challenge each other and the leadership. Is there room for someone to oppose the doctrine?
Consider Harry Brook. Possessing immense talent, he could amass numerous Test runs.
Has anyone approached Brook to discuss the shot he played against Mitchell Starc in Brisbane’s first innings, urging that “it’s poor, you’ve let the team down”?
If such discussions can’t occur in England’s dressing room, it poses just as big a problem as any on-field issue.
The debate will revive this week as England takes a break in Noosa between Tests.
In the interim between the first two Tests, none from the XI in Perth participated in the England Lions match in Canberra. I find it hard to believe nobody in the batting unit wanted practice in the capital. Did they feel capable of expressing that?
Though I understand the need for a cricket hiatus on this tour, it doesn’t persuade me it’s the correct decision.
Stokes frequently refers to how things were handled historically on tours when discussing plans and preparations.
Traditionally, a tour game against a Country XI—essentially made up of local farmers—would have been played in places like Port Pirie.
Such a match would have provided those struggling with form a chance to find it, and those out of the squad an opportunity to push their case.
Importantly, it wouldn’t be uniform. If someone excelled in Tests and wanted a break, it was allowed. Take Joe Root, who just notched a century in Brisbane, he’d be on a break.
Why isn’t this approach utilized here? It’s odd that with a lengthy interval between Tests, the default is golf over cricket.
Off the field, along with finding flexibility in gameplay, England must be adaptable.
The main worry about this setup is the pressure to conform. If a player deviates, they risk exclusion. Leading this way is tough as not everyone is identical.
Ultimately, leadership will face consequences for their choices.
If Brisbane marks a shift in England’s Test cricket approach, there’s a path for Stokes and McCullum to remain at the helm. On the whole, English cricket benefits from their leadership.
We now need visible changes rather than Sunday night soundbites.
England has choices for Adelaide, although limited.
If an altered style is sought by Stokes and McCullum, do they let the current players prove they can adapt?
Or do they refresh the squad? Adding Jacob Bethell carries risk. Jamie Smith’s form is concerning, yet Ollie Pope is the only other wicketkeeping option.
No matter England’s decision, they understand the enormity of their challenge. Being 2-0 behind with three games left in an Ashes series is a dire situation.
Stokes is aware jobs, careers, and reputations are at stake. That’s the message he’ll relay to his squad.