The Bazball Era Concludes
Ben Stokes (left) and Brendon McCullum (right) assumed the roles of captain and head coach of the England Test cricket team in the summer of 2022.
The Bazball era has officially ended. Ben Stokes announced his retirement from England cricket during their series defeat to New Zealand in early July 2026, while Brendon McCullum was dismissed as head coach on Sunday following seven losses in nine Test matches.
Under their leadership, England's playing style and approach to Test cricket both captivated and frustrated fans and analysts, sparking divided opinions. Regardless of perspective, the period was marked by memorable moments, both triumphant and disappointing. Below are some of the most notable highlights and challenges from the McCullum years.
Bairstow Blitz Ignites Bazball, June 2022
Jonny Bairstow delivered a remarkable innings, striking seven sixes and 14 fours in a match-winning performance.
When McCullum and new captain Ben Stokes took charge, England had only won one of their previous 17 Tests. Their tenure began with a victory over New Zealand at Lord's, setting an optimistic tone.
The second Test of that series at Trent Bridge showcased the team's aggressive intent. Chasing 299 runs in 72 overs on the final day, England found themselves struggling at 93-4. However, Bairstow and Stokes steadied the innings, reaching 139-4 by tea, with a draw seeming the likely outcome.
In the evening session, Bairstow unleashed an extraordinary display of hitting, scoring 14 fours and seven sixes to reach a 77-ball century, just one ball slower than Gilbert Jessop's England Test record. Bairstow finished with 136 runs off 92 balls before falling near the end, but Stokes remained to strike the winning boundary, securing victory with 22 overs to spare.
Record Chase Stuns India, July 2022
Jonny Bairstow scored an unbeaten 114 in the second innings, following his first innings century of 106.
Less than a month later, England, having completed a 3-0 series win over New Zealand, faced India in a rearranged fifth Test from the previous summer. Despite James Anderson's five-wicket haul and Bairstow's first innings century, England were set a target of 378 runs to win.
England had never successfully chased such a total in Test cricket before but began well with a century partnership between Zak Crawley and Alex Lees. However, wickets from Jasprit Bumrah and a run out reduced them to 109-3, making the chase appear daunting.
Joe Root and Bairstow responded with a magnificent unbroken partnership of 269 runs, guiding England to a comfortable victory. Root scored a commanding 142 not out, while Bairstow remained unbeaten on 114, both scoring at over five runs per over, leaving the Indian bowlers stunned.
This remarkable win denied India their first Test series victory in England since 2007 and demonstrated the potential of Bazball at its peak.
Raid of Rawalpindi, December 2022
Jack Leach's dismissal of Naseem Shah secured victory amid the fading light in Rawalpindi.
England's first overseas Test under McCullum was a memorable challenge. Playing their first Test in Pakistan in 17 years, England achieved a dramatic win late on day five in Rawalpindi.
England's aggressive batting set the foundation, scoring a Test record 506-4 on day one and accumulating 921 runs in 136.5 overs across both innings at a run rate of 6.73.
On the final day, the bowlers endured significant pressure. Pakistan remained in contention to chase the 343-run target at various points. However, James Anderson and Ollie Robinson, each taking four wickets with effective reverse swing, restricted Pakistan's progress.
A resilient last-wicket partnership threatened to deny England victory until Jack Leach trapped Naseem Shah lbw, sparking jubilant celebrations. England went on to sweep the series 3-0.
One-Run Loss in Wellington, February 2023
James Anderson was caught by Tom Blundell for four runs.
With ten wins in eleven Tests, Bazball appeared unstoppable. Following a dominant victory over New Zealand in Mount Maunganui, England aimed to extend their streak to eleven consecutive wins in Wellington.
Root and Harry Brook scored centuries as England posted 435-8 declared, then bowled New Zealand out for 209, enforcing the follow-on. Kane Williamson's century revived New Zealand's chances, leaving England requiring 258 runs to win the series.
After Brook was run out without facing a ball, England faltered at 80-5. Root and Stokes stabilized the innings, but after their dismissals, Ben Foakes seemed poised to secure victory. However, he was caught with seven runs needed, leaving tailenders Leach and Anderson to attempt the chase.
Anderson struck a boundary to bring the target within two runs but then edged a Neil Wagner short ball to the wicketkeeper. New Zealand secured a stunning one-run victory, with England lamenting several dismissals during the chase—a recurring theme.
A Costly Ashes Declaration, June 2023
Joe Root had reached 118 runs when England declared at the end of the 78th over.
The 2023 Ashes series was highly anticipated, marking the first encounter between Australia, the reigning World Test champions, and Bazball England.
The tone was set early when Zak Crawley drove Pat Cummins through the covers for four runs, signaling England's aggressive intent. Root's century further strengthened England's position on day one.
However, Stokes declared the innings with Root on 118 and the score at 393-8, aiming to accelerate the game and challenge Australia before stumps. The decision did not yield the desired outcome, as Australia survived the session and ultimately won the thrilling first Test at Edgbaston by two wickets.
"I thought that was a time to pounce," Stokes reflected on the declaration.
Whether an additional 20 or 30 runs would have altered the result remains unknown.
Bounced Out & Manchester Rain, July 2023
Australia were 214-5 in their second innings, still trailing England, before rain ended play at Old Trafford.
The second Test of the 2023 Ashes is remembered for Jonny Bairstow's controversial stumping and the unusual reaction from the crowd. Stokes nearly produced another remarkable innings but England's first innings collapse undermined their position.
After Australia posted 416, England started strongly at 188-1 but succumbed to Australia's short-ball strategy, collapsing to 325 all out. Australia took a 2-0 series lead.
England, bolstered by the returns of Mark Wood and Chris Woakes, mounted a spirited comeback, winning at Headingley and pressing for victory at Old Trafford. However, rain curtailed play on days four and five, allowing Australia to escape with the urn after a drawn match.
Heist of Hyderabad, January 2024
Ollie Pope scored 196 runs, nearly half of England's total of 420 in Hyderabad.
England's most impressive overseas win under McCullum arguably came in Hyderabad. After conceding a 190-run first innings deficit against an Indian side with a formidable home record, England appeared on the brink of defeat.
Ollie Pope played an outstanding innings of 196, helping England fight back. India were expected to chase the target but were stunned by Tom Hartley's exceptional bowling figures of 7-62.
The match remained tense until Hartley dismissed Mohammed Siraj, sealing a 28-run victory for England and raising hopes that they could compete effectively in India for the first time in over a decade.
Despite this, India recovered to win the series 4-1.
800 Up as Brook Hits Triple Century, October 2024
Harry Brook scored 317 runs from 322 deliveries in Multan.
Following the heavy defeat in India, England returned to Pakistan, the venue of one of their finest performances, with renewed optimism.
In the first Test at Multan, Pakistan posted 556 runs on a flat pitch. England responded emphatically, scoring 823-7, their fourth-highest total ever and the largest since 1938.
Joe Root and Harry Brook compiled a partnership of 454 runs, the fourth-highest in Test history. Root achieved a career-best 262, while Brook became the first England batsman in 34 years to score a triple century, finishing on 317 at nearly a run-a-ball.
England secured an innings victory, but Pakistan adjusted their strategy, winning the next two Tests on turning pitches to claim the series.
India Seize on Mistakes to Win Oval Classic, August 2025
Chris Woakes batted with his arm in a sling in what would be his final Test innings.
Despite an impressive series win in New Zealand and an expected victory over Zimbabwe, skepticism about Bazball grew ahead of a high-profile series against India.
The series culminated in a classic fifth Test at The Oval, with England leading 2-1. The match was thrilling, with England chasing a challenging target of 374 runs.
Root and Brook forged another substantial partnership nearing 200 runs with England at 301-3. Brook scored a scintillating century but was dismissed attempting an ambitious shot for 111. Root completed his century, but subsequent wickets shifted momentum.
England required 35 runs with four wickets remaining on the final day. After Jamie Smith's dismissal, India capitalized. Despite Woakes' courageous innings with an injured arm, Mohammed Siraj secured a memorable six-run victory for India.
Another Ashes Defeat Down Under, December 2025
England's loss at Adelaide marked their 18th Test defeat in Australia without a win.
Perhaps the defining moment signaling the end of Bazball was England's comprehensive Ashes defeat in Australia.
Despite a promising start in Perth, where England were bowled out for 172 but reduced Australia to 123-9, the visitors collapsed from 65-1 to 88-6. Travis Head dominated, and England lost the match within two days.
Australia won comfortably in the day-night Test in Brisbane and secured the series with a late surge in Adelaide, ending England's Ashes aspirations.
This occurred despite Australia missing key players Pat Cummins for the first two Tests, Josh Hazlewood for the entire series, and Steve Smith for the third Test. A consolation victory in Melbourne marked England's first Test win in Australia in 15 years.
Following a 2-1 series defeat against New Zealand at the start of the 2026 home summer, McCullum was dismissed as England head coach.
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