Ashes 2023: We’re trying to push the boundaries in Test cricket, says Paul Collingwood

England assistant coach Paul Collingwood has stated that they are trying to push the boundaries in Test cricket. England has given a fresh breath of air to Test cricket as their batters have adopted Bazball and they have been playing aggressively from the get-go.

The strategy has also worked wonders as England has got the desired results in almost all conditions. The English team savored success against New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, and West Indies in the previous cycle of the World Test Championship.

Under Brendon McCullum, England batters have played like free birds, who don’t have any fear of getting dismissed. Ergo, England is writing a new chapter in the annals of Test cricket as they are playing in a fashion that has hardly been adopted in the red-ball version.

Under the umbrella of Brendon McCullum, England has won 11 out of the 13 Test matches they have played and lost two. However, this rampage England team is yet to face their oldest rival – Australia, with the new approach.

“Yeah, I think this will be our biggest test. We are coming up against the old rival. The Ashes is always seen as the biggest test, alongside playing India in India. This is what Test cricket is all about. You want to play against the best. They have deservedly won the World Test Championship,” said Collingwood on Sony Sports.

Collingwood, who was a terrific fielder during his heydays, added they don’t focus much on the opposition but they try to play according to their strengths and back themselves. England recently defeated Ireland by 10 wickets at the Lord’s.

“Our trip was very relaxed. Obviously, we kept up with the scores, but we don’t really focus on the opposition too much. We like to make sure that we are playing in a style or manner that is true to us. That’s what the focus is on. This brave, extravagant, fun, exciting way that we are trying to play the game is the most important thing,” Collingwood added.

The first Ashes Test will be played at Edgbaston, Birmingham from Friday onwards.