Bazball catches Aussies' eyes, not minds

'Bazball' is commanding TV time in Australia's team hotel rooms but players won't let England's attacking approach and its potential Ashes implications occupy the back of their minds until after next year's tour of India.

England have again captured the attention of world cricket this week, blasting 657 from 101 overs in their first innings against Pakistan in Rawalpindi.

In what finished as the fastest-scoring first innings in 145 years of Test cricket, England smashed 95 boundaries as three players scored centuries at quicker than a run a ball.

Dubbed as 'Bazball' after coach Brendon McCullum, England first turned heads during their home summer when they chased down targets at rapid rates in a no-fear approach to Test cricket.

That in itself makes for a tantalising Ashes series next year in England, after Australia hammered their arch-rivals 4-0 at home last summer.

Australia's captain Pat Cummins said he had watched England's first innings with interest when back at the team hotel after play in his own team's Test against West Indies.

"I found it good to watch. It brought back memories of bowling on that Rawalpindi wicket (when Pakistan hit 4-476 against Australia in March) and I felt a little sorer for it," Cummins said. 

"It's incredible what they did. So good on them. 

"I think it is very wicket dependent. That wicket is unlike anything else in the world really.

"But it is something you have to be aware of (as bowlers). You just have to weather the storm occasionally. 

"Some teams might want to take the game on and try and score at a good clip. That brings more chances. 

"As long as you can keep your composure ... and come up with some good plans."

Asked when he would start weighing up how to best counteract England's attacking nature for next year's Ashes, Cummins was in no rush.

Australia have Tests against West Indies and South Africa this summer, before the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in India and, potentially, a World Test Championship final ahead of the Ashes. 

"After the Indian series (I'll think about it)," Cummins said.

"It's a long way away."

Cummins' comments came after Steve Smith had wondered earlier this year how England's batting would match up against Australia in the Ashes.

'Bazball' had become the talking point of Australia's tour of Sri Lanka in July, but at the time Smith was less than convinced that England's approach would stand up next year.

"I'm just intrigued to see how long it lasts, if it's sustainable," Smith said in July.

"If you come on a wicket that's got some grass on it and Josh Hazlewood, Cummins and Starc are rolling in at you, is it going to be the same?

"We'll see what happens."