Roadblocks in the revolution

Proteas’ runaway win tests England’s Bazball strategy

The sporting pilgrims at Lord’s may have yearned for a pulsating Test lasting five days but the South African attack deigned otherwise. It was no surprise that the first encounter between England and South Africa concluded within three days.

The visitor’s innings and 12-run triumph over a stunned host on Friday belied England’s terrific start to its cricketing summer highlighted through four victories in the game’s longest format. Those wins also ushered in the adrenaline-infused Bazball approach that new coach Brendon McCullum, in tandem with skipper Ben Stokes, propagated.

Batters shed their defensive blinkers and fourth-innings pursuits were treated like a jaunty night out in town. As a spectacle it was surreal. It was a template that also mirrored McCullum’s approach during his playing days and one that found a welcome echo from Stokes, who chased the improbable in the nerve-wracking 2019 World Cup final at Lord’s while sneaking past a combative New Zealand.

Closer home in India, none will forget McCullum’s unbeaten 158 off 73 balls that helped Kolkata Knight Riders seal its contest against host Royal Challengers Bangalore, the Indian Premier League’s inaugural game in 2008.

The same batter as New Zealand skipper, attempted a swipe against Australia’s Mitchell Starc in the 2015 World Cup final at Melbourne and walked away to the sound of clattering stumps. Aggression cuts both ways.

England, used to either setting the pace of the match or staging a rousing comeback, ran into a doughty South African unit.

Rival captain Dean Elgar employed his speedsters Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Marco Jansen and Lungi Ngidi while spinner Keshav Maharaj too had his time. That Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow between them scored a meagre 32 also hurt England.