‘He doesn’t need to be Bazballer’ – Michael Vaughan criticizes Joe Root for playing unconventional Bazball cricket

In a recent turn of events, former England captain Michael Vaughan has criticized current skipper Joe Root for his unconventional ‘Bazball’ approach in the ongoing Test series against India. Vaughan questioned Root’s departure from his traditional style, urging him to return to what has brought him 10,000 Test runs.

Expressing his views, Vaughan highlighted Root’s experimentation following left-handed net practice in Visakhapatnam. The criticism emphasizes the need for Root to stick to his established strengths and play a more composed role, especially against spin, where he is considered one of England’s best.

“They (England) are in fifth gear from ball one. I don’t mind some of them playing like that because they are better for it. But Joe Root should forget it. He has 10,000 Test runs playing like Joe Root. He doesn’t need to be a Bazballer. It is time for someone in the management to put an arm around Joe and say ‘please just be yourself’,” Vaughan wrote in the UK Telegraph.

“I think it’s as simple as the fact that he is too wrapped up in Bazball, the whole ethos of excitement and entertainment. This is particularly important against spin,” he added.

Vaughan emphasized the importance of Root embracing his established strengths, especially against spin, where he’s regarded as one of England’s finest.

“Along with Graham Gooch, Root is the best player of spin England has ever produced. To see him bat the way he did in the second innings, that’s not Root, and it’s not the way England are going to win in India, just gifting wickets away,” Vaughan remarked.

Joe has to be the rock, the calming influence while the madmen tee off around him: Vaughan

Vaughan urges management to guide Root back to his natural game. Observing Root’s uncharacteristic reverse sweeps to get off the mark in both innings, Vaughan emphasizes the need for Root to be the stabilizing force in the lineup, playing the role of a calming influence while allowing others to take risks.

“I knew something was up when I saw him get off the mark in both innings with reverse sweeps. He doesn’t play like that. He gets himself in, then takes risks. Let the firecrackers play like that. Joe has to be the rock, the calming influence while the madmen tee off around him,” Vaughan suggested, emphasizing Root’s role as the stabilizing force in the batting lineup.

While the series is locked at 1-1, Vaughan’s insights into Root’s approach add an intriguing layer to England’s strategy. Root, known for his classical and composed style, is now under scrutiny for adopting a more adventurous approach. As the cricketing drama unfolds, fans are left wondering if Root will pay heed to Vaughan’s advice and return to his tested and trusted formula in the upcoming matches or will stick to the Bazball.