Warner Slams 'Senseless Bazball' as Starc Dismisses Root for 10th Time in Ashes Collapse
Nov, 22 2025
When Mitchell Starc trapped Joe Root lbw for eight runs in the 20th over of England’s second innings at Optus Stadium, it wasn’t just another wicket—it was the 10th time Starc had sent Root packing in Test cricket. The dismissal, a chop onto his own stumps, capped a stunning collapse that turned England’s 40-run first-innings lead into a 205-run target for Australia. And as the dust settled, former Australian opener David Warner didn’t hold back: ‘It’s Bazball with no sense,’ he said on Fox Cricket. ‘Trying to create something out of nothing. That’s not smart—not from a guy with 10,000 runs.’
The Collapse That Changed Everything
England, buoyed by a solid 204 in their first innings, looked poised to control Day 2. Then came the 18th over. Scott Boland bowled three wickets in 11 balls—Ben Duckett (28), Ollie Pope (33), and Harry Brook (0)—all caught or bowled with lethal precision. Root, who’d been dismissed for a duck in the first innings by Starc, offered no resistance this time either. His 10 dismissals by Starc now come from just 639 deliveries—a staggering strike rate of one every 64 balls. Root’s average against Starc? Just 34.00. In 25 Test encounters, he’s been out to Starc more than any other bowler in history.
England’s second innings ended at 164 in 52.1 overs. Only Pope and Duckett passed 20. The rest? Gone. And the timing? Brutal. They’d been ahead. Now they were buried. Starc finished with 10 wickets in the match—five in each innings. His name now sits alongside the greats: a match-winning haul on a pitch that offered little, but his aggression delivered everything.
Bazball Under Fire
The term ‘Bazball’—named after England’s head coach Brendon McCullum—was once celebrated. Since 2022, it’s meant attacking cricket, quick scoring, and fearless intent. It won series in India and drew crowds. But here, in Perth, on a pitch that rewarded discipline, it looked reckless. Warner, who retired from international cricket in December 2024 after 114 Tests, didn’t mince words. ‘They’re well ahead of the game,’ he said, ‘and that passage of play could prove costly.’
It’s not just Root. Pope played a rash drive. Brook, known for his power, was bowled through the gate. Duckett, who’d looked composed, chipped to mid-off. Each shot, in Warner’s view, was a gamble with the match on the line. ‘You don’t play three to start when you’ve got a lead,’ he added. ‘You build. You wear them down. That’s Test cricket.’
It’s a familiar critique. In 2023, former England captain Michael Vaughan called Bazball ‘a high-wire act with no net.’ Now, with Australia holding the Ashes urn after a 4-0 win in 2021-22, and with the series tied at 0-0 heading into this match, the stakes were higher than ever. And England’s gamble? It didn’t pay off.
The Bigger Picture
This is the 73rd Ashes series. The rivalry dates back to 1882. The urn has changed hands 35 times. But rarely has a single innings collapse been so directly tied to a philosophical clash in cricketing culture. Australia’s attack—Starc, Boland, Pat Cummins, and Nathan Lyon—exploited England’s aggression like a predator in the dark. The hosts didn’t need to be brilliant. They just needed to wait. And when England offered up the chance? They pounced.
Meanwhile, Australia’s chase of 205 feels less like a test and more like a formality. With Travis Head, Steve Smith, and Marnus Labuschagne in form, and with the pitch expected to slow further, England’s bowlers are under pressure to deliver. But their confidence? Shaken.
What’s Next?
The second Test begins December 5 at the Adelaide Oval. If England doesn’t recalibrate, the series could slip away before Christmas. McCullum’s team must decide: Is Bazball a philosophy—or a liability in high-stakes conditions? And can Root, with over 10,000 Test runs, still lead it?
For now, the answer seems clear: in Perth, the smartest play wasn’t the big shot. It was the one that didn’t happen.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times has Mitchell Starc dismissed Joe Root in Test cricket?
Mitchell Starc has dismissed Joe Root 10 times in Test cricket across 25 encounters, bowled 639 deliveries to him, with Root scoring just 349 runs at an average of 34.00. This is the most dismissals by any bowler against Root in Test history.
What is Bazball and why is it controversial?
Bazball refers to England’s aggressive, high-risk Test batting approach under coach Brendon McCullum, named after his nickname ‘Baz.’ While it revitalized England’s performance in 2022–24, critics argue it leads to reckless shot selection in pressure situations, as seen in this Ashes collapse.
Why did Scott Boland’s spell change the game?
Boland took three wickets in 11 consecutive deliveries—Duckett, Pope, and Brook—during the 18th to 20th overs of England’s second innings. His accuracy and subtle seam movement exploited England’s aggressive intent, turning a 40-run lead into a 164 all out.
What’s the significance of Root’s dismissal pattern against Starc?
Root has been dismissed by Starc seven times outside off stump or through edges, and three times bowled or lbw. His tendency to chase wide deliveries has become predictable. Starc has mastered this weakness, making him Root’s most frequent nemesis in Test cricket.
How does this affect Australia’s chances in the Ashes series?
Australia now leads 1-0 with four Tests remaining. A win in Adelaide would put immense pressure on England, especially if their batting strategy remains unchanged. Australia’s pace attack, now energized by Starc’s 10-wicket haul, could dominate the remaining matches.
When is the next Ashes Test and where?
The second Test begins December 5, 2025, at the Adelaide Oval. The series continues with matches in Melbourne (Dec 26–30), Sydney (Jan 4–8), and a second Sydney Test (Jan 7–11, 2026).