"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.

That includes a 3-0 series win over world champions New Zealand, with England hunting down challenging targets on each occasion.

Stokes's men then made light of a seemingly stiff target of 378 in the Covid-delayed fifth Test against India at Edgbaston, romping to victory by seven wickets.

"Bazball" -- a reference to McCullum's nickname -- has revitalised England's red-ball fortunes at a time of renewed debate about the future of the five-day game.

But there are questions over whether the ultra-aggressive approach can work in all circumstances, particularly against a strong South Africa pace attack.

"I've got absolutely no interest in the style that they've played," Elgar told the Guardian. "I think it can go one of two ways for them and it can go south very quickly... I'd like to see them do it against our seamers."

But England bowling great James Anderson, speaking at Lord's on Monday, is confident that sticking with a positive mindset will prove the right thing for the team.

"I don't think it has to come unstuck at all," he said. "We now know we've got the ability to chase anything down and we've got the ability to take wickets in any conditions.

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"If we keep playing with that entertaining sort of mindset and also be smart with it as well... there may be times when we can't go hell for