Steve Harmison has criticised Brendon McCullum’s tactics with England following the thrashing of India at the weekend
Former fast bowler Steve Harmison has voiced his concerns over England’s stubborn approach under Brendon McCullum, dubbed Bazball by fans and pundits.
The much-talked about approach utilises an aggressive cricket adopted by England, especially in Test matches, where they look to force results by any means possible. Harmison, who represented England in 63 Tests, argued that the team lacks a plan B and fails to adapt when their aggressive style falters during the match.
Drawing comparisons with Premier League outfit Tottenham Hotspur under Ange Postecoglou, Harmison suggested that England’s strict adherence to an only-attacking game plan often leaves them vulnerable in difficult conditions.
Speaking to talkSPORT, Harmison highlighted the team’s struggles in recent matches, particularly in situations where their aggressive batting approach has not paid off.
“Brendon McCullum thinks this is England’s best team,” he said. “Some will argue that Sam Curran and Will Jacks should be in it. Some people look at cricket differently from Rob Key and Brendon McCullum.
“I think they will be judged by the numbers and series they have played against New Zealand and Pakistan where they struggled where the pitches turned.”
Harmison’s comparison to Tottenham Hotspur under Ange Postecoglou is rooted in the football manager’s unwavering commitment to his tactical philosophy, regardless of the circumstances. Spurs, currently sitting 14th in the Premier League, have often struggled when injuries or tactical adjustments have been required, leading to inconsistent performances.
“[Postecoglou] continues to play with a certain plan irrespective of the conditions, injuries, or player skills available to him,” he continued. “Some days, it works brilliantly; on others, it falls apart.
He likened this to England’s approach in white-ball cricket, particularly during the recent T20I series against India where they lost 4-1. Harmison pointed out that England’s aggressive style means they either succeed spectacularly or fail dramatically when their shots do not come off.
“If you can’t hit a six or a four, we get out spectacularly,” Harmison added. “It’s like watching Tottenham Hotspur. I love Ange [Postecoglou], he is one of my favourite Australians.
“I think he is a bit like what McCullum and Ben Stokes are trying to do, but they have no real Plan B. If they can’t hit a six, a four, or score big runs, they either look absolutely brilliant or fall off a cliff like in the T20 series.”
With the Champions Trophy set to kick start later this month, England’s ability to adapt their approach will be tested. Whether McCullum and Stokes persist with their all-out attacking strategy or introduce a more flexible Plan B remains to be seen.
England have a demanding schedule ahead, including an important ODI series against India before the Champions Trophy, which will be followed by a red-ball series against the Men in Blue and Australia. Harmison believes England’s approach will soon be severely tested..
“You’ve got a big summer coming up in red-ball cricket against India and Australia.,” he said. “A three-match ODI series against India now, which is very, very important, leading to the Champions Trophy. So, they are going to be judged based on what happens in the Champions Trophy, and in the Test matches against India and Australia.”
“They will be judged by the numbers and the series they have played against New Zealand and Pakistan, where they struggled on pitches that turned.”