Ashes 2023: “Also Saw That With MSD And Co. In The IPL,” AB de Villiers Impressed By England’s Smart Cricket At Edgbaston

21/06/2023

536

Former South African cricketer AB de Villiers was impressed by England’s clever cricketing in the first Ashes Test 2023 ongoing at Edgbaston. He said that with the type of cricket they are playing, they are on the same page with the men of MS Dhoni, who were similar in the IPL.

England, with their way of tackling Bazball, continued to impress many even against the Test world champions against Australia in the ongoing first 2023 Ashes Test. They made their mark on the first ball of the game when Zack Crawley hit the first ball of the game for four

What was impressive was that even though they lost wickets they kept attacking the bowlers and scored runs at a run rate of around 5. They surprised many though when they declared their innings at 393/8 with Joe Root batting 118 runs unbeaten.

Also read: Ashes 2023: “I would think Root and Four Seamers” – Nasser Hussain on England’s combination for Lord’s Test if Moeen Ali doesn’t recover

With the ball, England stepped in and dismissed Australia on 385 runs, taking a 7-run lead. What they showed in the first innings was also offered in the second innings. They continued to lose wickets but did not back down, making 273 runs and setting a target of 280 runs.

While defending the goal, England came under a bit of pressure after an opening 61-run partnership from David Warner and Usman Khawaja. But after that they hit the nail on the head and took three wickets on Warner, Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne to strengthen their case for the first game.

What was impressive was captain Ben Stokes’ plans for each and every batsman. England put tremendous pressure on Australia with their field placements, making it difficult for them to score and they ended up giving up their wickets.

AB de Villiers said that with the way England played the game, taking the weather into account, it makes sense. While touting England as the best team, he said they will always put themselves in winning positions. Taking to his Twitter account, he said:

Also read: Ashes 2023: ‘The only person missing from Australia is Mitchell Starc’: Nasser Hussain believes Starc’s absence has helped England’s Tailenders

“I never looked at the Birmingham weather before this test match. The way England played now makes sense. Call it what you want, some say Bazz Ball, I think it’s smart Cricket. The best teams are prepared to adapt and play situations in a way that will ultimately put them in a winning position more often than not, whether it’s making bold statements or playing reverse sweeps a lot, whatever it takes.”

Ashes 2023: “I saw it with MSD and company. in the IPL”, AB de Villiers on England’s approach

AB de Villiers went on to say that all the players are contributing to England and have no egos or stats driven players, as was also the case with Chennai Super Kings in the IPL. He further added:

“The only way to make it have an impact is to have full buy-in from every individual, no egos, no stat-driven players, just total buy-in to be the best team in the world. This is how I see the Eng team play atm. I also saw that with MSD and co. in the IPL. It will be a fascinating last day. Let’s get it going. Aus still has a chance here, unlikely, but possible.”

I never looked at Birmingham weather before this test match. The way England played now makes sense. Call it what you want, some say Bazz Ball, I think it’s smart Cricket. The best teams are prepared to adapt and play situations in a way that will ultimately put…

— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) June 20, 2023

Also read: Ashes 2023: “There will be fingers pointing whoever loses” – Michael Vaughan says whoever wins the first game will win the series

Ashes 2023: “I saw it with MSD and company. in the IPL”, AB de Villiers on England’s approach

LEAVE A REPLY Cancel reply