The new issue of Wisden Cricket Monthly, out December 18, unravels a whirlwind start to the Ashes that left Ben Stokes' side on the brink of a chastening series defeat.
With England's approach in the spotlight, Andrew Miller delivers Bazball's last rites and Scott Anthony examines the psychology behind a philosophy that has divided opinion from the outset.
We have Matt Roller reporting from Perth, a Test match years in the making which was over in the blink of an eye, Lawrence Booth hails the brilliance of Mitchell Starc in his role as Australia's leading man, John Stern traces the inglorious history of the Ashes war of words, and, to cheer up disheartened England fans, Ben Gardner ranks Joe Root's 40 Test hundreds after his ton at the Gabba.
Elsewhere, we have pieces celebrating the life of Robin Smith from Jon Hotten and Angus Fraser, who describes his former teammate as a "magnificent player and complicated man", Jo Harman-McGowan examines what's gone wrong for India after their whitewash on home soil to South Africa, and Abhishek Mukherjee speaks to Shafali Verma, the star of the Women's World Cup final.
We also have exclusive interviews with Chris Woakes and Simon Harmer, Rob Smyth profiles the forgotten Aussie tearaway who had Viv hopping, and Jeff Thomas explores the revival of cricket in Wales following Glamorgan's long-awaited promotion.
You can buy the magazine online, in stores across the UK (click here to find your nearest stockist), or purchase a subscription here.
Wisden Cricket Monthly is also available in digital form. You can purchase single issues or sign up for a subscription here.
"At 2-0 down on the morning after the Brisbane Test, consider this the last chopper out of Saigon. I have smelt the napalm, and it is toasty. Even if England do somehow engineer the most miraculous comeback in Ashes history, the methods and mindset for which this team has been renowned (and reviled) will not return. Bazball is dead. It’s been one hell of a ride."
Andrew Miller, having first coined the term, delivers Bazball's last rites following England's defeats at Perth and Brisbane.
"Here was proof of his all-round intelligence, his capacity to read a game, Starc the batter prolonging the innings so that Starc the bowler could operate under the Gabba lights."
Lawrence Booth hails the all-round impact of Mitchell Starc
"Building a strong team culture, with a clear identity and style of play, is an established way of lowering cognitive load. These are techniques that, in theory, enable a team to play with freedom and expression. When it is effective, this approach can seem to create its own reality."
Scott Anthony examines the psychology behind Bazball
"When I play at my best, nothing fazes me, I’m relaxed and pretty chilled. Mark Wood did nearly blow my boot off at one point when it started reversing, but other than that I was pretty comfortable out there."
Jordan Cox, the England Lions batter and T20 gun-for-hire, is this month's diarist
"Ultimately, we do feel we represent Wales. Glamorgan is named Glamorgan, but for all intents and purposes, it is Wales’ professional cricket team. The more players you can bring through, the more you retain that identity of being different and being Welsh."
Mark Wallace, Glamorgan’s director of cricket, speaks to Jeff Thomas after the club made their long-awaited return to the top tier of the County Championship
"I've always had imposter syndrome, I’m just an off-spinner. I constantly need to get better, because if I sit still, I fear I’m going to get found out."
Simon Harmer speaks to Phil Walker after his starring role in South Africa's historic series win in India
Judge loved to be the centre of attention. He was the life and soul of any event, he loved to please, and went out of his way to make everyone feel welcome. He also found it hard to say no. Those of us who knew him well were fully aware that behind the mask was a far more complicated and insecure man."
Angus Fraser remembers Robin Smith, his former England teammate
"There’s an argument to say I would have played more Test matches had I not grown up in the era I did, but being able to tap into Jimmy and Broady’s knowledge really aided me as I got further into my career. I see it as the pros outweighing the cons."
Chris Woakes speaks to Jo Harman-McGowan about the highs and lows of his career
"There was no cricket academy for girls in the small town of Rohtak and so Verma’s father decided to cut her hair short, dress her like a boy, and send her to a boys’ academy. While her true identity slipped under the radar, her talent did not."
Abhishek Mukherjee speaks to Shafali Verma, the star of India's World Cup final victory over South Africa
"During the innings break, on Test Match Special, Sir Vivian Richards answered listener’s questions – including an old favourite. 'The fastest bowler I ever faced,' said Viv, 'was a guy from South Australia called Wayne Prior. He was a farmer's boy. He looked well fed."
Rob Smyth profiles a forgotten Aussie tearaway in 'Lost Treasures'
You can order the new edition of Wisden Cricket Monthly, digital or print version, here.
