Mitchell Starc's devastating spell of fast bowling at Perth has ignited debate around England's "Bazball" approach, with former captain Michael Vaughan questioning the strategy after the Three Lions were bundled out for a paltry 172 on the opening day of the Ashes series. Starc's career-best figures of 7/58 ripped through the English batting lineup, leaving fans and critics alike wondering if the ultra-aggressive approach is sustainable in the face of high-quality bowling and challenging Australian conditions.
England's innings, which lasted a mere 197 balls, marked the third-shortest first innings of an Ashes Test on Australian soil. Only Harry Brook (52), Ollie Pope (46), and Jamie Smith (33) offered any resistance to Starc's onslaught. The collapse was so dramatic that Usman Khawaja was initially prevented from opening the batting for Australia due to a rule requiring players to spend an equivalent amount of time on the field as they had off it.
Vaughan, commentating on the game for Fox Cricket, didn't hold back in his assessment. "You've got to question Bazball and its brain," Vaughan stated. He criticized the tailenders' approach, suggesting they should have prioritized supporting Jamie Smith, who was looking relatively comfortable at the crease. "Really poor from the batters towards the end. The plan should have been to give him the strike and let him do the heavy lifting," he added. Vaughan further elaborated, "Bazball with brains, well Bazball's arrived. They've forgot the other bit!".
Starc's performance was nothing short of spectacular. He started the day by dismissing Zak Crawley for a duck in the very first over. He then went on to claim the wickets of Ben Duckett and Joe Root before lunch, leaving England reeling. After the break, he quickly removed captain Ben Stokes to further compound England's woes. This is Starc's second seven-wicket haul in an Ashes Test at home in the 21st century. He is also the first bowler to take seven wickets on the opening day of an Ashes Test in Australia since Craig McDermott in 1990/91.
The "Bazball" approach, championed by coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes, has been lauded for its positive and aggressive intent. However, its effectiveness in Australian conditions, known for their pace and bounce, has always been a point of contention. Vaughan had previously emphasized the importance of England seizing the initiative in Perth to set the tone for the series. Now, after Starc's display, he questions whether England can maintain their high-risk strategy against a quality Australian attack.
Despite missing key players like Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood due to injury, Australia's bowling attack, spearheaded by Starc, proved too potent for England's batting lineup. The hosts also handed debuts to Brendan Doggett and Jake Weatherald.
The debate surrounding "Bazball" is likely to continue throughout the series, with each Test providing further evidence for or against its viability. For now, however, Starc and Australia have landed the first blow, leaving England and their aggressive approach under intense scrutiny.
