Key events
Preamble
Once we give something a name it becomes a thing, and once it becomes a thing, it takes on a personality and characteristics, there to be misrepresented and misconstrued over and over again. We may know this from, er, ourselves, or from the constant media bombardment that reminds us â once, for example, there were kind people trying to help those needing it most in whatever way they could, now they are âthe woke mobâ and theyâre ruining our previously thriving planet.
So, as soon as we decided that playing fun, aggressive cricket played in a nurturing, inspirational environment was to be called Bazball, we also decided that every match was to be a referendum on the same. The reality, though, is somewhat different.
India are the best home Test side in the world, a settled winning machine favoured by conditions and the five-Test series. England, on the other hand, are finding themselves, taking on the expers with spinners no more experienced in Tests then you and me. Or, put another way, it is not because of Bazball that India are poised to win this brilliant series, it is because of Bazball that this brilliant series is brilliant â and still alive.
Probably not for long, but such is facing India in India; such is not Bazball. Of course, it may yet be that Baz nâ Benâs England pull off yet another victory for the ages, but even if they do not, they remain what we know them to be: a developing team doing all they can to sustain this wonderful things of ours. There are those whoâll tell you that elite sport is about winning, and maybe theyâre right. But life is not, so.
Play: 9.30am local, 4am GMT
