Ricky Ponting Reveals Surprise Fondness for England’s ‘Bazball’ Approach

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has made an admission few would expect — he’s a fan of Bazball.

The World Cup-winning skipper praised England’s aggressive Test cricket brand under coach Brendon McCullum, saying it has evolved into a sharper, more effective version since its early, raw beginnings. Speaking to The Times, Ponting said England’s approach had noticeably improved since the last Ashes and that Australia would be better equipped to face it next time, having already encountered Bazball in the 2023 series in England.

“I’m as Aussie as anyone, and I love watching the way they play,” Ponting said. “The Aussies embraced it and learnt about it the last time they were here. Now they’ll understand a more refined version of what England started a few years ago.” Under McCullum, England have undergone a dramatic shift, dominating most home series. But Ponting noted the method wasn’t flawless at the start.

“When it first began, Joe Root seemed to get caught up in it and altered his natural game. He’s since gone back to his usual style. Ollie Pope is aggressive by nature, Stokes surprisingly has the lowest strike rate since Bazball began, while Duckett and Crawley have been setting the tone at the top,” Ponting explained.

India’s Struggles Offer a Warning
Ponting highlighted India’s recent 2-2 series draw with England as a lesson for Australia. He said India’s failure to adapt quickly allowed England to claw back into the contest. “They could be dangerous in Australia if they start well. It’s their natural way of playing, and it immediately puts pressure on the bowlers. You have to adjust fast — that’s where India fell short,” he said.

With the next Ashes still some time away, Ponting’s comments make it clear that Australia are already considering how to counter Bazball — a style that continues to evolve and make waves in world cricket.