Lot more method to 'Bazball' than is probably perceived: Joe Root

Published - 18 Jun 2025, 18:07 IST | Updated - 18 Jun 2025, 18:26 IST

Former England Test captain Joe Root expressed the feeling of playing the 'Bazball way' since the appointment of Brendon McCullum as the head coach of the Three Lions, which has resulted in a massive improvement in their performances in red-ball cricket.

Root described how playing during this period has been the most enjoyable time of his career. The right-handed batter has been in prime form of late with the bat as he continues to break records and has already etched his name into the history books by becoming England's leading run-getter in the longest format of the game.

"It has become the most fun time of my career-playing the way we play, the environment that has been created. The job Ben (Stokes) and (head coach) Brendon (McCullum) have done has been fabulous, and so much fun has come with it," Root said while speaking to Sky Sports.

Root also shared his opinion on the term 'Bazball' and clarified that the philosophy behind it may not necessarily be fully understood yet.

"It might not always get reported how it is - I don't think 'Bazball' is the right way to describe it. It has been a big change and is different to how a lot of teams play, but there is a lot more method to it than is probably perceived," he added.

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While England could not reach the finals of the World Test Championship (WTC) final this year, Root finished as the highest run-getter in the 2023-2025 cycle. He said that his focus is on enjoying the game and cherishing the memorable moments during the remaining years of his illustrious career.

"I just want to enjoy playing, remember that raw feeling of being 10 years old or younger-watching my dad play or being in the garage or garden with my brother. I'm not saying sticks in the ground with a taped-up tennis ball pretending you are at the MCG or Lord's, but waking up, opening the curtains and praying it's not raining so you can play that day, and trying to harness those feelings," Root said.

Root will be seen in action during India's upcoming five-match Test series against England, which begins on Friday, June 20.