Cricket Smith hails England's 'ruthless' display at Headingley

JAMIE Smith insisted there is a method to England’s occasional moments of madness with the bat but he argued they are developing more of a “ruthless” streak which was evident in beating India.

- David CHARLESWORTH

England captain Ben Stokes dislikes the r-word but the calculated way in which they overhauled 371 at Headingley to go 1-0 up in the five-Test series was dubbed by Michael Vaughan as “Bazball with brains”.

Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum are trying to refine the ultra-aggressive style that has been a defining feature of their three-year tenure, which has led to breathtaking highs and crushing lows.

Smith, who got England home with a six off Ravindra Jadeja to seal a famous five-wicket win, said: “I think this was a great example of where the team have got to that we didn’t give India a chance.

“Maybe in the past we would have still played that same way but it might have been a collapse that gave them a chance or maybe gave them a little in.