Skip to main content
Worcestershire CCC

'No plan survives first contact with the enemy' - Edwards on Bazball and The Ashes

Paul Edwards, with the help of Worcestershire legend Tim Curtis, takes a deep-dive into England's unorthodox approach to Test cricket and reflects upon the key takeaways from a disappointing winter down under.

22.03.26, 09:00 Updated 23.03.26, 09:09 9 Minute Read

Paul Edwards

Let us begin with two shots, each of them played by an England batsman to the opening ball of a day’s play in the same Ashes Test match. Taken together, they seem to me to encapsulate the strategy that has come to be known as Bazball.

In 2023, Zak Crawley cover-drove Pat Cummins’ first delivery of the series for four. The ball was over-pitched and just wide enough of the off stump to allow Crawley to lean into one of his favourite strokes. In the Edgbaston press box, journalists uttered a collective gasp of anticipation.

Become a member today.

King Pears needs its community to support independent, high-quality coverage of Worcestershire Cricket. Subscribe to a monthly or annual package today to be a part of something special.

Subscribe for £5

Already have an account? Sign in

Related Topics

Paul Edwards Editor

Get started with our free newsletter

Sign up to receive your free newsletter with articles and analysis from our team

By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from King Pears.