Hugh Jackman, best known for his iconic portrayal as Wolverine, is actually an absolute cricket fanatic. Last year, the Hollywood star got to watch an Ashes Test at The Oval in London—a lifelong dream. After the huge success of his latest film, *Deadpool & Wolverine*, alongside Ryan Reynolds, Jackman shared admiration for England’s new aggressive brand of cricket, Bazball, in an interview with BBC Radio 1.

Basically, Bazball means the style of cricket played by the England men’s Test team since Brendon McCullum took charge as head coach in 2022. Known affectionately as Baz, McCullum brought new thinking that empowered the players to lose their inherent conservatism toward Test cricket and come out fearlessly with an attacking mindset. This is in marked contrast to the more measured, strategic game one normally associates with the longest format of the game.

Although it got off to a skeptical start by some former players and cricket pundits, Bazball has won over many fans, including Jackman. He confessed that, despite his Australian roots, he actually loves England’s daring style. “I’ll say something unpopular as an Aussie… I love Bazball,” the 55-year-old confessed in his interview, pointing out that it has brought excitement and entertainment back into the game.

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The Bazball strategy was full flow during the recent Ashes series, after which England made a dramatic comeback on home turf. Having lost the first two Tests, they pulled off a magnificent comeback with a thrilling three-wicket victory in the third at Leeds.

A draw in the fourth Test set up the stage for a memorable 49-run win at The Oval to ensure England ended the series on a high note. With the next Ashes in Australia due to begin in November 2025, all eyes – not least of the fans and critics – will be on whether Bazball continues to define England’s Test cricket identity.

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In their most recent opportunity, England flaunted their Bazball expertise in style as they whitewashed the visiting West Indies in a home Test series. The team wants to carry its victorious momentum forward as it heads over to take on Sri Lanka. The first Test against Sri Lanka will be held at Old Trafford in Manchester starting on August 21. In the absence of Ben Stokes from the game, Ollie Pope would lead England as they go ahead with their bold new cricketing philosophy.