'That is garbage': Australia batter Marnus Labuschagne on 'Bazball' being included in Collins Dictionary

‘Bazball,’ a term which refers to an aggressive style of playing Tests, made its official entry into the Collins Dictionary on Wednesday. This is an acknowledgment of the unique playing style embraced by the England Test team over the last 15 months. The approach was on full display during the Ashes this year and has become a tag associated with the England Test side ever since Brendon McCullum took over as the head coach. The term was coined after former New Zealand captain and destructive batter McCullum, popularly known as ‘Baz’, took over as England’s Test coach last year in May.

World Cup 2023: News | Schedule | Results | Points table

‘Bazball’ has been formally recognised as a noun in the dictionary, with the definition stating, “a Test cricket style where the batting side aims to seize the initiative by playing in an exceptionally aggressive manner.” Multiple reports and interviews, however, suggest that the dressing room and especially McCullum himself is not quite fond of this term.

The introduction of ‘Bazball’ has ignited some serious debate on social media and in the cricketing community as well. Australia cricketer Marnus Labuschagne, in particular, was not too pleased with the latest development. Sharing his view on this matter, Labuschagne said, “Oh man, that is garbage. I don’t know what that is, honestly.”

‘Bazball’ in the dictionary?