Former England all-rounder Chris Woakes has mounted a staunch defence of the team's much-debated 'Bazball' strategy, insisting the aggressive philosophy is not the reason for their 2-0 deficit in the Ashes series against Australia.
Pressure Mounts After Heavy Defeats
England's hopes of reclaiming the urn are hanging by a thread after suffering heavy eight-wicket defeats in both the Perth and Brisbane Tests. The manner of the losses has led to significant criticism from several former players, who have questioned the tourists' relentless commitment to an ultra-attacking brand of cricket under captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum.
Stokes himself admitted to having some 'raw' conversations with the squad ahead of the crucial third Test, a day-night match in Adelaide which begins on Wednesday. The skipper has demanded his side 'show a bit of dog' and fight in every situation as they try to win a Test in Australia for the first time in 14 years.
Woakes Dismisses the 'Outside Noise'
Woakes, who retired from international cricket in September, believes his former teammates are blocking out the external criticism. 'As a professional modern player, you can't pay too much attention to it,' Woakes told Boyle Sports. 'Everyone has an opinion... to be brutally honest, it's irrelevant, really.'
He argued that a team which has built its identity over three years cannot abandon its core beliefs mid-series. 'They'll believe the way out of it is by sticking to their guns,' he said. 'I genuinely believe the style of play isn't the problem. It's more the execution.'
Woakes pinpointed England's handling of Australia's spearhead, Mitchell Starc, as a key failing. 'We haven't played Mitchell Starc well enough,' he admitted, suggesting smarter play against the left-arm quick could have altered the course of the matches.
A Call for Belief and Better Execution
Despite the bleak position, Woakes retains faith that this England team can stage an unprecedented comeback. 'If any team can come from 2–0 down in Australia, it’s this team,' he stated, acknowledging many would view that optimism with scepticism.
He described the squad as a 'wounded lion' and said it was 'now or never' for them to find their best form. However, he warned that Australia will be strengthened by the likely returns of captain Pat Cummins and spinner Nathan Lyon for the Adelaide Test.
Woakes confirmed he has been in touch with players in the camp, sensing 'a bit of disappointment' but also an 'inner belief that they can do something special and turn it around.' The focus, he insisted, will be on solutions, not self-pity.
