While England have been earning a lot of plaudits for their new positive and aggressive approach to Test cricket under Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum, rivals Australia have been quick to poke fun at 'Bazball', a term referencing the new head coach's nickname, ahead of next year's Ashes.
England have won seven out of eight Tests since Stokes and McCullum took charge, including stunning victories over the likes of New Zealand, India and Pakistan. However, the likes of Steve Smith and David Warner have scoffed at suggestions England's approach is revolutionary.
Back in July, Smith revealed the term 'Bazball' was used as a joke in the Australian cricket camp, stating: "Guys just keep joking about it – I think Ronnie [head coach Andrew McDonald] has had enough of hearing about Bazball to be honest, it's good fun to joke about.
"I've watched a little bit of it, it's certainly been entertaining, they're coming out playing their shots. If you come on a wicket that’s got some grass and Josh Hazlewood, [Pat] Cummins and [Mitchell] Starc are rolling in at you. Is it going to be the same? We'll see what happens."
Warner, meanwhile, mocked England's sole loss to South Africa at Lord's in August, when they were thrashed by an innings and 12 runs after getting bowled out for 165 and 149. "Bazball didn't work that Test," Warner said, before saying Australia will play 'Ron Ball' under McDonald.
"I haven't really taken much notice of it. But I don't know if you guys know, we've got Ron Ball. We've been talking about Ron Ball, so it's gonna be interesting this summer to see how that goes."
And during the second Test between Australia and the West Indies in Adelaide, a sign was spotted in the home dressing room that simply read "Ron Ball".
In response to the apparent dig, one England supporter wrote: "Love how the baz ball stuff is obviously getting to them". A second simply added: "Rent free".
England's batting coach Marcus Trescothick recently said he wished they were "going into the Ashes next week" following their recent success and next summer's series looks set to be a truly fascinating one.
