`Bazball` could be the most used term in world cricket over the last one month but the inspiration behind it, England Test coach Brendon McCullum, finds the incessant talk around the newly coined word `silly`. `Bazball`, which is derived from McCullum`s nickname `Baz`, has been associated with England`s drastic change in approach towards Test cricket since the arrival of the new head coach.

England, who endured a dismal run over the last 18 months, look a completely transformed outfit with 3-0 series over New Zealand and a record chase in the rescheduled fifth Test against India. Senior Australia batter Steve Smith called England`s counter-attacking approach exciting but is not sure about its sustainability, especially till the Ashes in England next summer. Reacting to Smith`s comments, former New Zealand captain McCullum, one of the most aggressive opening batters to have played for the Kiwis, said a lot of thought has gone into England`s fresh approach towards the five-day game and acknowledged the Australian challenge in 2023.

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