Green Intrigued by England's High-Risk Approach
Western Australian all-rounder Cam Green has described England's revolutionary 'Bazball' cricket as a "cool brand of cricket" while expressing genuine curiosity about how the ultra-aggressive method will translate to Australian conditions during the upcoming Ashes series.
The Australian Test star acknowledged that England's approach, which has completely transformed their game since the 2022 appointments of coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes, creates opportunities for bowlers regardless of the match situation.
Untested Strategy on Australian Soil
Since McCullum and Stokes took leadership, England has embraced a philosophy of taking the game on at all costs, resulting in the highest run rate in Test cricket and featuring numerous bold declarations alongside a refusal to play for draws.
This dramatic style reversal emerged following a terrible period where England lost 10 of 14 Tests, and while it has improved their results, it failed to reclaim The Ashes during the 2-2 drawn series in England in 2023, meaning Australia retains the historic urn.
The true test of Bazball remains unknown in Australian conditions, as the appointments came shortly after England's disastrous 2021/22 tour down under.
"We've never seen it played in Australia," Green noted about England's attacking style. "That's what can happen - if you're really attacking, you can bring the other team into the game, but also you're putting pressure back on them."
England's Pace Attack Presents Major Threat
With the ball, England appears increasingly likely to unleash their express pace duo of Mark Wood and Jofra Archer together on what is expected to be the series' quickest pitch at Optus Stadium.
Wood bowled at full pace during Tuesday morning's training session, while Archer recently returned to Test cricket after an injury absence stretching more than four years. Wood himself underwent knee surgery in March and managed only eight overs in last week's practice game at Lilac Hill due to hamstring stiffness.
Green showed respect for England's entire bowling arsenal but singled out the specific challenge their speed merchants would present. "You look at all the bowlers they've got in their squad, they're high class, they've played a lot of Test cricket," Green said.
"Going off history, fast bowling works in Perth, but we'll have to wait and see."
The stage is set for a fascinating contest between Australia's traditional strengths and England's bold new approach when the Ashes battle commences.
