A retired Indian cricket player supports young players adopting a more aggressive style in Test cricket, believing it will attract more spectators. England has been playing aggressively in the longest cricket format under the guidance of captain Ben Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum.
Since June 2022, England has the fastest scoring rate in this format, averaging 4.61 runs per over. Recently, Sehwag praised England’s ‘Bazball’ style and Australia’s aggressive play in the early 2000s, noting that these approaches help teams win more games.
“England’s approach to Test cricket involves scoring five runs every six balls. Back in our time, Australia would typically score four runs per six balls. Sehwag, speaking to PTI, has always thought that if a team can be aggressive, it increases their chances of winning Test matches.”
Moving forward, the ex-opening batsman discussed how young players today are more interested in T20 cricket. But he also said that if T20 helps players build a style that works in Test matches, it’s beneficial for cricket overall.
He continued, “If someone can develop a strong, attacking style that fits Test cricket, that’s great. We want people to enjoy watching Test matches. Whether it’s positive or negative, I once scored 300 runs in about 270 balls. A modern player might score 400 if they faced that many deliveries,” he noted.
Virender Sehwag is considered one of the best opening batsmen in cricket history. He scored 8586 runs in 180 innings, averaging 49.34 and with a strike rate of 82.23. Born in Delhi, Sehwag holds the record for the highest strike rate in this format among players with at least 2500 runs. At 45 years old, he shares the record for the most triple centuries in Test matches, with two, and has six double centuries. Sehwag made Test cricket exciting with his bold batting style, and he hopes young players will keep this exciting approach going.
