England Bazball inspired by Phillip Hughes death, claims Australia Ashes hero
Aussie cricket great Kerry O’Keeffe says England’s ‘Bazball’ revolution started with the tragic death of batsman Phillip Hughes, aged just 25
- Bazball was inspired by the death of Phillip Hughes, claims Kerry O’Keeffe
- Hughes’ passing in 2014 inspired England coach Brendon McCullum
- He has since implemented an upbeat approach to his cricket
Australian cricketing legend Kerry O’Keeffe has claimed that Bazball was inspired by the tragic death of Phillip Hughes in 2014.
Hughes died aged 25 on 27 November after being struck in the neck by a ball two days earlier during a Sheffield Shield match.
The incident shocked the cricketing world and then New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum was shocked by Hughes’ passing.
In a 2019 interview with SEN, McCullum – who has implemented England’s fearless cricketing style since becoming their head coach – says Hughes’ death was a ‘moment I will remember for the rest of my life’.
“Just the fact that a player playing cricket could die in those circumstances made us all realize that the game could be life or death,” McCullum said.
Kerry O’Keeffe claims he knows the origins of England’s reckless ‘Bazball’ approach
Ben Stokes’ side enjoys a free flowing offensive type of cricket
“I think that’s carried over into a happy-go-lucky approach to our cricket.”
And O’Keeffe believes McCullum’s realization after Hughes’ death planted Bazball’s early sides.
“Look, I put it (Bazball) at the feet of Brendon McCullum,” O’Keeffe told Fox Sports.
And I lay it down too, and may he rest in peace, Phillip Hughes. Because that was a defining moment in Brendon McCullum’s career.
“When Phillip Hughes died on the pitch, it was 2014, Brendon McCullum was New Zealand captain.
“He said we’re going to play without worry, without consequences, because we’re going to play every day like it’s our last and to hell with judgment.”
O’Keeffe says Phillip Hughes’ tragic death inspired England coach Brendon McCullum
Two years later he scored the fastest Test century in the history of the game, 54 balls against Australia. Bazball is a result of the death of Phillip Hughes.
O’Keeffe added, “If you step away from the consequence and don’t feel judged, you’re playing free.” That’s what this England side are doing at the moment and they’re doing it so well.
“The seed was germinated by the death of Phillip Hughes.”