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England vs South Africa: Ben Stokes Unfazed By South Africa Captain Dean Elgar's 'Bazball' Comments

England Test skipper Ben Stokes said on Tuesday that the team's attacking mindset will not change when his side takes to the field in the first Test against South Africa at Lord's on Wednesday. This comes after South African skipper Dean Elgar commented on England's 'Bazball' approach to Tests, saying, "I do not see that there is longevity in brave cricket". Under Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum, England have won four consecutive Tests this summer, defeating New Zealand in a three-match series and chasing 275-plus scores in all matches. Then they downed India by chasing a record 378 runs.

England vs South Africa: England Name Playing XI For First Test Against South Africa

England on Tuesday announced their playing XI for the first Test of the three-match series against South Africa, starting at the Lord's Cricket Ground on Wednesday, August 17. Wicketkeeper-batter Ben Foakes makes a return to the side after missing the rescheduled fifth Test against India. Zak Crawley and Alex Lees have been retained at the top of the order while Ollie Pope keeps his place in the playing XI. Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow have been in excellent form for the Ben Stokes-led side, and eye another strong outing against the Proteas.

Ashes-Winning Captain Urges English Cricket To Adapt To T20 Revolution

The England and Wales Cricket Board's (ECB) strategic advisor Andrew Strauss warned English cricket chiefs on Monday not to "bury their heads in the sand" as the Twenty20 era pushes the sport into a period of unprecedented change. With lucrative Twenty20 leagues taking more space in the cricket calendar, the traditional dominance of the five-day Test format is under threat. Players are increasingly being forced to choose whether they want to specialise in the short or longer forms of the sport.

Watch: Liam Livingstone's Sensational One-Handed Six In The Hundred

England batter Liam Livingstone, who represents Birmingham Phoenix in the ongoing edition of The Hundred competition, gave his fans another spectacular moment to cherish when he smashed a one handed six, to take his team across the line during the clash against Trent Rockets on Monday at Edgbaston. The match-winning six also helped Livingstone to reach his half-century in 32 balls. Chasing 146, Birmingham Phoenix claimed victory over Trent Rockets by seven wickets and 14 balls to spare.

England Pacer James Anderson Relishing "Incredible" Test Revival

England fast bowler James Anderson says the team's "incredible" Test revival has left him eager to return to the fray in the upcoming series against South Africa. New Test captain Ben Stokes and red-ball coach Brendon McCullum have revitalised the side with their attacking philosophy since taking charge earlier in the English season. England beat Test world champions New Zealand in all three matches of their series before chasing down a huge target to beat India in early July in a match that was postponed last year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Watch: England's Barmy Army Shares Hilarious Video Of Bowler Taking A Tumble In Village Cricket

England cricket team's fan group Barmy Army shared a funny cricket video on social media on Sunday. In the shared clip, a fast bowler could be seen taking his run-up to deliver the ball during a cricket match. The regular task didn't turn out as expected as the bowler tumbled at the non-striker's end after delivering the ball, eventually giving rise to a funny moment. While the delivery of the pacer went well off the target, he lost his balance and fell on the pitch only to see his body roll on the surface.

"No Interest In The Style That They've Played": Dean Elgar On England's 'Bazball' Approach

South Africa captain Dean Elgar says he does not fear "Bazball" as the Proteas seek to inflict England's first Test defeat of their swashbuckling new era under the leadership of Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum. After a dismal run of just one victory in 17 Tests, England have won four from four under new skipper Stokes and coach McCullum heading into their series opener against South Africa at Lord's on Wednesday.

"You'd Be Pretty Stupid To...": England Star Hits Back At Dean Elgar After Remarks On 'Bazball'

Since Brendon McCullum took charge as head coach, and Ben Stokes replaced Joe Root as Test captain, England have thrived under the attacking 'Bazball' philosophy in the longest format. After being thrashed by Australia in the Ashes, England clean swept New Zealand 3-0 on home turf, before also beating India in the rescheduled fifth Test at Edgbaston in Birmingham. The Stokes-led side now face South Africa for a three-match Test series. Ahead of the Test series, South Africa captain Dean Elgar was of the opinion that committing to the 'Bazball' philosophy could leave England looking foolish in the long run.

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England Cricket Team Sport News

England vs South Africa: Ben Stokes Unfazed By South Africa Captain Dean Elgar's 'Bazball' Comments

England vs South Africa: England Name Playing XI For First Test Against South Africa

Ashes-Winning Captain Urges English Cricket To Adapt To T20 Revolution

Watch: Liam Livingstone's Sensational One-Handed Six In The Hundred

England Pacer James Anderson Relishing "Incredible" Test Revival

Watch: England's Barmy Army Shares Hilarious Video Of Bowler Taking A Tumble In Village Cricket

"No Interest In The Style That They've Played": Dean Elgar On England's 'Bazball' Approach

"You'd Be Pretty Stupid To...": England Star Hits Back At Dean Elgar After Remarks On 'Bazball'