West Indian legend Chris Gayle has denied Ben Duckett’s comments where he said that Bazball inspired Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal’s attacking approach in batting style after the stylish young Indian opener’s double century in the third Test in Rajkot. However, Jaiswal has been in red-hot form in the ongoing five-match Test series against England, scoring 545 runs which came at an average of 109 and a strike rate of 81.10.
He has already scored two double-centuries in the first three Tests to help India take a 2-1 series lead as well. And, Duckett credited England’s attacking batting approach over the past two years for his success. However, on a video conference call with AFP in London, Gayle said that his Windies predecessors set the bar for attacking batting much before Bazball and also gave the credit to Jaiswal’s coaches for his aggressive instincts.
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“Attacking cricket has been played for years, even before Chris Gayle actually set foot on the international scene as well. We (the West Indies) had the likes of Viv Richards, those guys set it (up) for us…Brian Lara, those guys are attacking players in all formats as well. When you actually check their stats, do check how they went about their innings,” said Gayle.”I don’t think he (Jaiswal) learned it from England. That style of play he developed with his coach and mentor (Jwala Singh). He’s just phenomenal. It’s like the guy has been playing for 20 years, unbelievable. I just hope he can keep it up.”
However, Chris Gayle warned against tampering with India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal’s technique and tempo and he also hoped to see the young batter keep up his attacking batting style as well. Since his Test and T20I debuts last year, he has attacked the bowling right from the get-go as well.
“A lot will be expected of him as he goes on but they should just let him continue to flow. He’s an attacking player, you see that in his T20 cricket as well…That’s in his nature as well and they shouldn’t try to curb him or try to change him,” said Chris Gayle.
