Bazball, the new style of play adopted by England under the leadership of Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes, has been met with both excitement and skepticism.

The aggressive and turbo-charged approach to Test cricket has certainly brought entertainment to the game, but it may be lacking in flexibility, as seen in England's recent defeat against Australia.

Bazball emerged as a response to the desire to inject life into the red-ball format. With McCullum at the helm as coach and Stokes as captain, the team embraced an all-out aggressive mentality. This approach proved successful, with England winning 11 out of their 13 Tests leading up to the Ashes series.

However, Australia's recent victory has raised doubts about the sustainability of Bazball. The rigid and ultra-aggressive philosophy of Bazball makes it predictable for the opponents, easing their decision-making process.

Additionally, it restricts the selection pool for the national team, favouring players who conform to this particular style of play. This lack of diversity may hinder the development of fresh talent within the English cricket system.

Australia, on the other hand, demonstrated the merits of playing in a more traditional manner. Usman Khawaja's exceptional performance in the first Test showcased the importance of patience and adaptability. He batted for over 13 hours, anchoring the innings and securing victory for his team.

The declaration made by Stokes during the first Test also raised eyebrows. It was a bold and unprecedented move, opting to declare with more than four days left in the match and a reachable target for Australia. While the intention was to seize the moment and capitalise on batters' anxiety, it ultimately provided the visitors with an opportunity to chase down the target.

The Ashes series has now become a testing ground for Bazball, with critics questioning its effectiveness. Former players from both sides have voiced their concerns about England's tactics and emphasised the importance of alternative strategies.

Test cricket thrives on its ability to challenge players in different conditions, and Bazball's one-size-fits-all approach may undermine this fundamental aspect of the game.