OTD: England announced the arrival of Bazball by defeating New Zealand 3-0

Two years back, on June 27, 2022, the cricket world watched something new in Test cricket—a new approach to playing the longest format of the game. Brandon McCullum and Ben Stokes rebranded their playing style with a "never die" and "must win" attitude. Over time, this method of playing Tests, labelled as the 'Bazball.' In that year, England completely destroyed New Zealand and won the three-match Test series by 3-0.

The interesting fact is that, in all 3 matches, the England cricket team, captained by Ben Stokes and coached by former New Zealand international Brandon McCullum, won by chasing two hundred and fifty-plus runs. In the first test of the 3-match series, the target was 277; in the second and third games, England chased down the targets of 299 and 296, respectively. 

Match-by-match results of the England vs. New Zealand 3-match Test series, 2022:

• 1st Test, Lord's:

New Zealand: 132 and 285

England: 141 and 279/5

England won the match by 5 wickets.

• 2nd Test, Trent Bridge:

New Zealand: 553 and 284

England: 539 and 299/5 

England won the match by 5 wickets. 

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• 3rd Test, Headingley Carnegie:

New Zealand: 329 and 326

England: 360 and 296/3 

England won the match by 7 wickets. 

After the conclusion of the third match in Headingley, England became the first team to chase down three consecutive 250-plus scores in a series. Before the series, the team was not enjoying a good run in the Whites. Before locking horns with the Blackcaps, England won twice out of 17 games. It was a transition phase for the England cricket team, which was newly shaped by coach Brandon McCullum and Ben Stokes. McCullum, during his days as an active cricketer, was known for taking risks and his fearless approach. The same he injected into the team's nucleus.