Former England fast bowler Chris Woakes has delivered a robust defence of the team's much-debated 'Bazball' strategy, despite England trailing Australia 2-0 in the current Ashes series.
Woakes Urges England to Stick to Their Guns
Speaking in an interview with BOYLE Sports, the recently retired 36-year-old argued that the dressing room would remain united and committed to the aggressive philosophy championed by captain Ben Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum. Woakes, who only stepped away from international duty in September, emphasised that a radical change in approach mid-series would be counterproductive.
"They'll believe the way out of it is by sticking to their guns," Woakes stated. "If you've built for a series like this for three years, you're not going to get here and then completely change your style because you'll be going against your morals and your beliefs."
Execution, Not Style, is the Issue
Woakes pinpointed the team's performance in key moments, rather than their overall attacking intent, as the root cause of their defeats. England suffered heavy losses in the first Test at Perth's Optus Stadium and the day-night match in Brisbane, leaving them needing to win all three remaining Tests to reclaim the urn.
"I actually genuinely believe the style of play isn't the problem," he explained. "It's more the execution and they've just got it wrong across a couple of Test matches. They haven't executed their plans well enough, both bowling and batting."
He used the example of facing Australian paceman Mitchell Starc, suggesting that better play against him could have shifted the momentum. The third Test, a must-win encounter for England, begins in Adelaide on Tuesday (UK time).
Pressure Mounts Ahead of Adelaide Decider
With the series on a knife-edge, Woakes acknowledged the intense scrutiny and pressure on the squad but backed them to respond in characteristic fashion. He recalled the success the method has brought over the past three years, winning Test matches by putting opposition attacks under relentless pressure.
"We have enjoyed how this team's played... and then all of a sudden, you come to such a big series and it hasn't quite come off," Woakes reflected. He dismissed calls for England to mimic Australia's more traditional style, insisting the team must now focus on executing their established plans more effectively in Adelaide to keep the Ashes alive.
