'It's Bazball vs Aussie bowl attack' - Fans thrilled for Ashes 2023 as Ben Stokes rules out England discarding 'Bazball' approach against Australia

Ben Stokes & Brendon McCullum (Source: Twitter)

The third edition of the World Test Championship (WTC) will begin with the 2023 Ashes, where Australia will face England from June 16. Fans are excited to witness the highly-anticipated red-ball series between the two bitter rivals of international cricket. While Australia come after being crowned world Test champions in the 2021-23 cycle, England will be coming off the back of a dominant win over Ireland at home.

With England set to host Australia at Edgbaston for the first Test of the five-match series, English skipper Ben Stokes has confirmed that his side will not discard the ‘Bazball’ approach. Stokes is well aware of the Australian bowling attack that thrashed India in the WTC 2023 final, but admitted that they won't tone down their successful aggressive style of playing in the upcoming Ashes.

"We know the threat that Australia poses, no matter who they are playing against, they are a very good team but we've found something that works and has been successful. That doesn't change with the opposition," the all-rounder told BBC Test Match Special.

"Nothing is going to change because we've had unbelievable success with it. If we were to change anything from the last 12 months because we find ourselves in an Ashes series, then anything from the last 12 months will have been completely pointless," he added.

Since Stokes took over as captain under the guidance of head coach Brendon McCullum, England's Test cricket approach has altered and they have found tremendous success, winning 11 of their last 13 Tests.

Former cricketers give their predictions for the Ashes

Former Australian pacer Glenn McGrath admitted that he is a fan of England’s 'baseball’ approach backed his country to defeat the Ben Stokes and Co 5-0.

"I've been really impressed with the way England have been playing, but this Australian team is different with a great bowling attack and quality batters. It's going to be an incredible contest. The first Test is massively important. I can see every Test going down to the wire, with Australia just winning… every game. I'm sure people want me to say 5-0, so I will not disappoint them."

Meanwhile, former England captain Michael Vaughan said that Australia have not won in England since 2001 and hence the English team will beat them.

"History says Australia haven't won in the UK since 2001. The last time they were here in 2019, it was a very similar team to what they have now, and they only managed a 2-2 draw against an England team that wasn't very good. England are miles better now, and they will surprise the Australians," Vaughan said.

Here's how fans reacted to Ben Stokes' remark ahead of Ashes 2023: 

so it's aussies bowling vs england's bazball

— Manjunath G Vastrad (@Manju101120) June 13, 2023

That's good. We need entertainment

— Yash Wardhan (@wardhantweets) June 13, 2023

I feel like this would be the greatest series till date... Gut feeling to be precise.

— Manish Choudhary (@ManishC43358373) June 13, 2023

Compare to India's "BakwazBall'...🤨

— UnBhakt (@VamosBangalore) June 13, 2023

It might come off once every 3 or 4 innings, but you have to bat through 10 in an Ashes Series... you can't win a series like that. Time will tell...

— Anthony Spiteri (@anthonyspiteri) June 13, 2023

Aussies already shivering 🥶

This Ashes going to be lit..🔥

— Mohit (@CricketHolik) June 13, 2023

Really this makes interesting the longer format

— A_Prince (@apg2081) June 13, 2023

I think this bazball won't workout in ashes.

— sakshi (@Sakshiiiiiii18) June 13, 2023