Bazball: A style of Test cricket in which the batting side attempts to gain the initiative by playing in a highly aggressive manner. Origin: Brendon McCullum, known as Baz (born 1981), New Zealand cricketer and coach.

The Collins Dictionary added Bazball to its lexicon in 2023. Now, with 2026 almost upon us, we have a new word to define.

Ronball: An intelligent style of Test cricket, played without ego, which adapts to the circumstances of the game and conditions. Defeated Bazball in 2025. Origin: Andrew McDonald, known as Ron (born 1981), Australian cricketer and coach.

Steve Smith was among the Australian players celebrating their Ashes win in a “Ronball” T-shirt.Credit: Getty Images

I promise you Andrew McDonald would not have liked it when Travis Head rolled out those now-famous “Ronball” T-shirts to celebrate Australia’s Ashes victory in Adelaide this week.

It’s not that he would be angry – that’s not in his nature – and I’m sure he would’ve laughed at the gag along with the players and support staff as they toasted their win. But he would’ve been embarrassed to have so much attention on him as Australian coach.

I’ve known Ron for many years. We were fierce rivals in the Sheffield Shield. I was part of the Test team when he made his four appearances in the baggy green, and we teamed up years later to help the Sydney Thunder win its first – and so far only – BBL title.

Andrew McDonald and Pat Cummins lead the Australian Test cricket team in an understated way.Credit: Getty Images

He is one of the smartest cricket people I know. That goes for his tactical mind on the field, and for the thoughtful way he interacts with others in the dressing room and develops team culture.

I see so many of........

© Brisbane Times