England captain Ben Stokes’s “Bazball” philosophy has once again sparked debate, this time concerning his apparent disapproval of Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar pursuing centuries in a drawn Test match against India.
Stokes’s Moral Compass
Ben Stokes is widely admired for his cricket and leadership, but a streak of churlishness occasionally surfaces. This was evident recently at Old Trafford and previously during the Lord’s Ashes Test when Alex Carey legally ran out Jonny Bairstow.
In both instances, Stokes seemed to imply a breach of unwritten “morality,” despite no rules being broken. At Old Trafford, the Indian batsmen were well within their rights to continue batting as long as they wished.
Bazball’s Unique Rules
Stokes’s definition of “morality” isn’t universally shared. He might view a batsman aiming for a century in a drawn game as “selfish,” a perspective common among Bazball adherents.
However, the broader cricketing world and the official rulebook allow batsmen to reach milestones. Saving a Test match, often by batting for extended periods, remains a legitimate and respected outcome in Test cricket.
The Fans’ Experience
At Old Trafford, Indian fans arrived hoping for a miracle on Day 5, even when England seemed poised for victory. They cheered every run as Jadeja and Sundar valiantly saved the Test.
These fans had travelled far, staying for hours to witness their heroes achieve hard-fought centuries. Denying them this moment contradicts Bazball’s stated aim of entertaining and giving fans what they want.
Tactics vs. Sentiment
Beyond personal milestones, India had a tactical reason to keep England on the field longer. Tiring out an already exhausted English team before the next Test, just three days away, is shrewd strategic thinking, not unsportsmanlike conduct.
Cricket legends like Sunil Gavaskar often highlighted the value of making opponents work harder. This hard-nosed approach aligns with the game’s competitive spirit, a far cry from a “sermon on cricket morality.”
The Old Trafford Exchange
Stokes’s churlishness became apparent when he reportedly questioned Jadeja, asking if he wanted a century against part-timers like Harry Brook and Will Duckett. This comment was dismissive of an epic innings played against a quality attack.
It was Stokes himself who resorted to bowling part-timers. Young Harry Brook also engaged in verbal exchanges and bowled ineffective deliveries, which arguably cheapened the game more than India’s continued batting.
Beyond the “Line”
Cricket often discusses “crossing the line,” but this line is drawn differently by various teams and cultures. Stokes’s attempt to impose his team’s unique Bazball morality on India undermined the genuine fight shown by Jadeja and Sundar.
Ultimately, Stokes’s reaction appeared less about a higher moral ground and more about being a sore loser. He seemed intent on denying the Indian batsmen their moment of glory, even after the match outcome was effectively decided.
- Ben Stokes’s “Bazball morality” can clash with traditional cricketing rules and etiquette.
- Pursuing personal milestones like centuries is a legitimate part of Test cricket and valued by fans.
- Keeping the opposition on the field longer can be a smart tactical move, not poor sportsmanship.
- Accusations of “selfishness” can sometimes reflect frustration rather than a genuine moral high ground.
The incident highlights a broader debate about how different teams interpret the spirit of the game, especially when a result is no longer possible.
