Exclusive: Jacob Bethell’s David Gower-Like Hundred Sparks Fresh Calls to Tweak Bazball

Jacob Bethell didn't bat the Bazball way, yet he scored his maiden Test hundred, 154 off 265 balls, in the third innings to give England a chance on day five of the Sydney Test. Playing only in his sixth Test, he controlled the fiery Australian pacers breathing down his neck.

Bazball, a term coined to define England's aggressive batsmanship in Test cricket under head coach Brendon McCullum, could head for subtle tweaks after the 4-1 Ashes loss Down Under. The England and Wales Cricket Board has launched a review in the backdrop of the poor performance.

McCullum has the support of captain Ben Stokes, and it remains to be seen what changes may be implemented in the future.

The Bazball era has led to an improved strike rate, more centuries, and decent bowling performances, but it hasn't been successful against Australia and India. Stokes and Co. drew the home Ashes in 2023, lost 4-1 to India in India in 2024, and drew 2-2 at home in 2025.

YOU NEED TO MODIFY BAZBALL

Former England cricketer Keith Fletcher, who played 59 Tests between 1968 and 1982, emphasised the importance of subtle tweaks, even when operating in Bazball mode. 

“They have to modify it. I understand that you need to entertain the people who are coming to watch, but there is a limit to what you can do. I feel they have gone too far with Bazball, especially with the way they get themselves out from good positions,” he told SportsBoom.co.uk, after Australia romped to a five-wicket victory in their chase of 160.

"You look at Will Jacks. He played only two balls and was caught at deep midwicket, while the lad [Bethell] on the other end was 100 not out. It comes at a time when you know that setting a target of 200 or 220 could give you a chance to win the Test match. What brains is that?” added Fletcher, who has 37,665 first-class runs in 730 appearances, besides a top knock of 146 against Australia in Melbourne in the 1974-75 Ashes.

UNDERCOOKED WITH NO RED-BALL ACTION

Fletcher played at a time when teams would fight for draws after starting tours with warm-up fixtures and invitational matches. He expected the England players to play more first-class cricket closer to the Ashes. 

"England was technically unprepared. You can't go for a five-match Test series against Australia in November with most of your players not playing first-class cricket since August. They were totally undercooked when they reached Perth. They didn't win the key moments. They didn't apply their cricket brains."

"Some of the dismissals just seemed brainless to me. Harry Brook has tremendous talent. In my opinion, he could be a top player, and I know he averages high now, but the way he gets out is irresponsible," said the veteran cricketer, who played with legends such as Graham Gooch, David Gower, Bob Willis and Ian Botham.

Fletcher’s criticism echoes recent comments from former England seamer Matthew Hoggard, who also slammed England’s ‘brainless cricket’ as Bazball faces an Ashes crisis.

BETHELL, A TOUCH OF GOWER

Fletcher, who also coached England from 1993 to 1995, saw a glimpse of his teammate Gower in the young Bethell. 

"He reminds me a lot of David Gower with the way he plays. A lot of Gower. He is a great talent. I know his position is number three, but he could be a good four or five, too. He is an all-round cricketer with spin-bowling and even catching. He has a future. The mental attitude looks great, as he didn't get carried away and did what he did while batting," he concluded.