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Opinion
In their first Test against Pakistan, England were prepared to lose to win the match.
They made a sporting declaration to give Pakistan a sniff of victory, which meant they would not shut up shop and bat out a tame draw.
It is how they are playing the game now, with no fear.
The English love to give Ben Stokes all the kudos for the revolutionary change in their new philosophy, but it can only be put down Brendon McCullum.
Remember all the talk about him when he secured the coaching role? Too inexperienced, what a disaster, the role is too big for him. Well, here we are.
England captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum. (Photo by Steven Paston/PA Images via Getty Images)
The English style is great to watch, with the players given license to play with freedom and not be afraid of the consequences.
Harry Brook could have a long career and old-timer James Anderson is playing with youthful enthusiasm.
They are creating a foundation of impossible dreams achieved, 500 on the first day!
Yes, I know it is as hard to write as it is for you to read, but just strip away the years of hatred and give the current English players and management credit for the spark that has ignited Test cricket again.
Under previous rule, there is no way over 500 would be scored on the first day and declarations would have been made to result in a boring draw.
They have a responsibility to make Test cricket as entertaining as possible, otherwise it will perish.
Giving the opposition a chance to win, batting with freedom and fighting to win a match will only keep existing fans and enlist new ones.
Is it because of the McCullum influence that I feel this way? I am not sure what it would be like if he were not there. That is a ‘what if’ question, like the one bandied around about the role Bazball will play in the next Ashes series in England. It is a series eagerly anticipated and I cannot wait, even as a neutral fan.
England won their second Test against Pakistan by 26 runs. That is the result when you have two teams fighting right to the bitter end.
The way cricket should be played.
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