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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Ali Martin in Rajkot

Blaming Bazball for England’s losses ignores excellence of India

England captain Ben Stokes with coach Brendon McCullum during a net session
Ben Stokes (left) and Brendon McCullum remain committed to their philosophy, despite going 2-1 down in India. Photograph: Gareth Copley/Getty Images

In the binary world of the 21st century, nothing in cricket quite matches the catnip qualities of so-called Bazball. England win? Vive la révolution. England lose? See, this is a flawed concept, a naked emperor moonwalking down the street all pleased with itself.

All of which does a disservice to opponents, who in the case of India and the record 434-run shellacking they dished out in Rajkot could be forgiven for wondering why they are the canvas on which various broad brush strokes about England are painted. Test matches require two teams and Rohit Sharma’s side are a mighty fine one.

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