In the second Test against Bangladesh, India bundle out the visitors for 233 and then displayed a strong batting performance, finishing at 285/9 in just 34.2 overs. Half-centuries from Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul were the key elements. Jaiswal blazed to 72 runs off 51 balls, with 12 boundaries and two sixes. Rahul responded in one of a kind by scoring a lively 68 off 43 deliveries with seven fours and two sixes.
Michael Vaughan Compares Gamball With Bazball
India’s brazenness certainly drew applause, but even veteran former England cricketer Michael Vaughan couldn’t resist a little jibe on X.
Vaughan wrote: “I see India are playing Bazball ..” a reference from England’s aggressive approach of play in Test cricket.
Vaughan’s suggestion that India was emulating England’s approach ignited a wave of backlash on social media. Many Indian fans were quick to defend their team’s aggressive style, accusing the former England captain of undermining India’s capability to play boldly even before the Bazball phenomenon emerged. India has a rich history of aggressive play in Test cricket, with notable counter-attacking innings long before Bazball became a prominent term.
Vaughan’s Quick Reply To Glichrist
Despite the criticism, Vaughan has not hesitated to make similar claims, insisting that England has transformed the way Test cricket is played with their Bazball strategy. During a recent appearance on the Club Prairie Fire podcast with former England wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist, Vaughan stated that India has essentially adopted the Bazball philosophy.
“I’ve to say, this is a remarkable Test match. India went on to bat… their cricket is fantastic. It is great to see India now becoming Bazballers. They got 285 in 34.4 overs, they copied England,” said Vaughan
Gilchrist then chimed in, noting that India’s aggressive batting approach during the second Test has been dubbed ‘Gamball’—a clever play on head coach Gautam Gambhir’s name. However, Vaughan was unimpressed, arguing that this style closely resembled England’s approach.
“I think you’re fine. Gambhir has already patented GamBall. Now, England need to tread carefully,” said Gilchrist.
