The Bazball reality: England entertain, but their opponents win

Pondering the reputation of the West Indian team in the years before they became a global power, former wicketkeeper Deryck Murray once described how the Caribbean side became everyone’s favourite team.

“The West Indians were known as the great entertainers,” he said. “Teams loved playing against us, particularly because they would win. We would do the entertaining, and they would win, so it was great for them.”

England captain Ben Stokes. Credit: PA

Bazball England and their captain Ben Stokes are at a very similar juncture. They have, it is true, provided plenty of indelible memories for spectators over the past couple of years, much as Sir Frank Worrell’s West Indian side did in Australia in 1960-61 and for many seasons after.

But the lofty rhetoric about changing the way Test cricket is played, and making fans feel “lucky” that they have been able to witness England in flight, looks decidedly ridiculous lined up against the current reality: England entertain and their biggest opponents win.

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