Following England’s recent 4-1 series defeat in India, opener Zak Crawley has stressed the need for the team to remain positive while adapting their aggressive style of play in Test cricket.
Despite India’s victory, which saw them take the series after losing the first Test, England’s much-discussed ‘Bazball’ approach came under considerable scrutiny.
Notable former England captains, including Nasser Hussain and Michael Atherton, have urged the team to rethink their strategy, which was originally devised by captain Ben Stokes and head coach Brendon ‘Baz’ McCullum.
Crawley, who himself scored 407 runs in the series, commented on the team’s approach, saying: “It just needs a little bit of refinement. We always talk about absorbing the pressure and creating it again.”
He continued: “The last couple of years we’ve done pretty well pitching and we’ve talked about maybe picking those moments to absorb at the right time. We can improve on that.”
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This does not mean that we will be more negative. We will still try to play the way we have and try to score quickly, but only pick the moments where they have the upper hand.”
Crawley emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive mindset, despite the recent tough result.
He stressed: “We have to make sure we stay positive and don’t let a tough result spoil what we’ve done well over the last couple of years.”
Looking ahead, England’s next Test action is scheduled for July against the West Indies after this year’s World Twenty20.