Panesar On Counter To England's 'Smarter' Bazball: 'What India Must Do Is...'

Sports Cricket

Posted by AI on 2025-07-01 19:06:14 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-07-01 20:48:47

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Post-Panesar Bazball, pre-game hype: India must capitalize on Edgbaston conditions and their own potent new-ball attack to reboot the series.

A tangy scent of curry wafts through the stands of Edgbaston Stadium as lunchtime approaches. The aroma reminds some pundits of India's explosive culinary prowess. However, Monty Panesar insists that the flavor of Test cricket's future lies not in India's spicy cuisine but in the reckless use of the new ball.

England has proudly coined the term 'Bazball' to describe their entertaining brand of cricket. They trust the batting unit to score at a brisk pace and put the opposition under pressure. But, Panesar believes India can counteract England's strategy and find success in the second Test. The former English spinner advises the Indian team to capitalize on the challenging conditions and exploit the new ball to restrict the English batters.

"What India must do is to make sure that they are looking to get the new ball and use that to their advantage. With the new ball, you have a better chance of getting early breakthroughs. That's where India can put pressure on England. If they can get openers out early, then the English middle order will feel the pressure," said Panesar.

Panesar emphasized the significance of exploiting whatever conditions are presented by the grounds. He cited the difference in assistance for seamers in the recent Oval Test compared to the first Test at Trent Bridge, where the pitch offered more spin. He encourages India's seamers to capitalize on the conditions better suited to their strengths and exploit England's lack of preparation for seamer-friendly conditions.

"If you look at the conditions, in the Oval Test match, there was a bit of seam movement. But in the first game, the pitch was offering a lot more for the spinners. These conditions (at Edgbaston) might be more seamer-friendly, and India has a very potent new-ball attack. So, it will be a huge opportunity for India to dominate this game with the new ball."

With the series tied at 1-1, all eyes are on Edgbaston and the tactical chess game between both teams. India has the bowling arsenal to compete with England's 'Bazball', and Panesar's insights could be the X-factor that tips the scale in India's favor.

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