Chappell urges Root to drop ‘Bazball’ approach after horror dismissal in Rajkot

New Delhi, Feb 20 : Former Australian Test skipper Ian Chappell believes that Joe Root should drop the Bazball approach and "play his natural game" following his dismissal on the reverse ramp shot that led to the visitors’ batting collapse in the third Test.

Roots struggles, particularly highlighted by Englands crushing 434 runs defeat at the hands of India in the third Test - their heaviest defeat in terms of runs since 1934.

England were 224-2 on day three of the third test with Ben Duckett batting at 141, Root batting at 18 dragged a reverse ramp straight to the second slip in the 40th over.His dismissals triggered a collapse for England, who went from 207-2 to 319 all out, conceding a 126-run lead to India.

Chappell, emphasised Roots prowess when playing his natural game, suggesting that the attempt to adopt a radical shift in approach was unnecessary.

"Root had a bloody fine record playing normally, and he was a quick scorer playing normally.

I dont see why hes trying to change things drastically, and Ive never believed you should play premeditated shots," said Chappell to Nine Wide World of Sports.

Roots recent numbers didnt paint a flattering picture, especially compared to his stellar form before Brendon McCullums tenure.Roots average since Brendon McCullum took over is 50.12 – a touch higher than his career average of 49.32.

Chappell underscored the importance of playing according to the conditions and the bowlers, acknowledging that aggression should be tempered by situational awareness.

"You cant always do it – its got to be according to the conditions and also whos bowling.

Some bowlers you can score off a lot quicker than others, but when a really good bowler is bowling a good spell, youve got to be prepared to try and battle it out and think to yourself Well, when he goes off, itll get a bit easier.

"Youre always trying to score runs – thats got to be your prime aim.But, youve also got to realise in some conditions, against some bowlers you can score quicker than others."

It wasnt the first time Root had been dismissed playing a switch hit.He had attempted a similar shot against the Netherlands at last years ODI World Cup.But England coach Brendon McCullum has backed Root to continue trying to take the game on.

hs/bc