Brendon McCullum Archives

Brendon McCullum admits errors in Ashes preparations

Coach Brendon McCullum concedes England got their preparations wrong heading into the Ashes, but believes they can salvage some pride in the final two Tests against Australia at Melbourne and Sydney.

The tourists arrived in Australia bullish that they could win a series in the country for the first time since 2010-11.

But their hopes imploded with heavy defeats in Perth and Brisbane before a closer contest at Adelaide, leaving the ultra-aggressive “Bazball” style of cricket McCullum and skipper Ben Stokes pioneered in tatters.

Their Ashes demise in just 11 days was the joint-second quickest in more than a century.

England had just one warm-up fixture in Australia, against their second-tier Lions side, and lost the opening Test in Perth inside two days.

Former captains Ian Botham, Michael Vaughan and Graham Gooch all criticised the limited preparation, with disgruntled skipper Ben Stokes sparking a backlash after calling them “has beens”.

They then opted to skip a pink-ball opportunity in Canberra before the day-night second Test at the Gabba, instead spending five days in the Brisbane nets.

Like Perth, that Test was lost by eight wickets and McCullum bizarrely claimed they had “overprepared”.

“What did we get right? What did we get wrong? Probably we go back to the preparation, that’ll be something that gets questioned,” McCullum told TNT Sports after the 82-run Adelaide defeat.

“And when you’ve lost 3-0, you need to put your hand up and say, ‘maybe I didn’t get that preparation right’.

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“It’s not just leading into the first game. It’s could we have done more leading into game one, and could we have done less leading into game two?

“I didn’t get that right because we lost 3-0. Lots to digest, look through and be better next time.”

The fourth Test starts in Melbourne on December 26, and England could freshen up the side.

An under-performing Ollie Pope is facing the axe with Jacob Bethell waiting in the wings, but their options are limited, and Brendon McCullum said they would not be looking outside the squad they have.

“We’ll have a look at the conditions (in Melbourne) and, as we always do, we’ll try and work out what we think will give us the best chance in that game,” he said.

“If that’s changed, it’s changed. If it’s not, it’s not. We’ll assess that when we get to Melbourne.”

England at least showed more fight in Adelaide as they chased what would have been a world record 435 to win.

McCullum admitted they had been outplayed across all three Tests, but said he saw encouraging signs in Adelaide and “we do have a great opportunity in the next two Tests”.

“We need to find something out of this tour, salvage some pride and play for all the people who have come to Australia to support this team and all the people back in England who have supported this team as well,” he said.

“If we get into that state where we just play the game and immerse yourself in the state of what needs to be done and allow your talent to come out in pressure situations, then you’ve got every opportunity.”

READ: Duffy prompts West Indies collapse as New Zealand win series

McCullum hints Brook could replace Pope as Ashes vice-captain

England coach Brendon McCullum has left open the possibility of Harry Brook replacing Ollie Pope as vice-captain during the upcoming Ashes tour of Australia.

Pope officially took on the role in May 2023 after securing his place as England’s number three in Test cricket, and has since led the team five times when inspirational skipper Ben Stokes has been absent through injury.

Stokes is back training following a shoulder problem, but his coach at county side Durham, Ryan Campbell, was “not 100 percent sure” the all-rounder would feature in all five Tests against Australia, with England bidding for their first Ashes series win since 2015.

Doubts have been raised about Pope’s tactical acumen, with England white-ball captain Brook regarded as a more proactive leader in the field.

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And should Stokes be ruled out of a Test during the Ashes series, which starts on November 21 in Perth, the 26-year-old Brook could now be asked to lead England in red-ball cricket as well.

McCullum, asked Sunday whether Pope will take up his usual role as Stokes’ deputy in Australia, replied: “We will work on that one. We will chat about that over the coming days as we finalise our Ashes squad.

“I think it’s a pretty easy squad to pick. We don’t need too big a squad, but we have a very settled group of batters, a cartel of fast bowlers, and Shoaib Bashir as our frontline spinner.”

The former New Zealand captain, speaking after England’s third and deciding T20 against South Africa in Nottingham, which was washed out without a ball being bowled, added: “I think it’s no secret Harry Brook is emerging as a leader within English cricket, so that’s something we need to work out.”

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Major boost for England as Jofra Archer set for ‘blockbuster’ third Test against India

England head coach Brendon McCullum has confirmed that ace pacer Jofra Archer is ready to play in the ‘blockbuster’ third Test against India, set to commence on 10 July at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground.

The Anderson-Tendulkar series between India and England is leveled at 1-1, with the visitors equalling the scoreline after thrashing the home side by 336 runs at Edgbaston.

The Three Lions will gain a significant boost as Jofra Archer returns to play in his first Test match since the 2021 tour of India.

Jofra Archer faced a string of injuries, resulting in him playing only seven limited-overs internationals between March 2021 and May 2024.

Speaking ahead of the match, Brendon McCullum shed light on the inclusion of Jofra Archer for the third Test.

“He’ll certainly be available for selection. Jofra is looking fit, he’s looking strong, he’s looking ready to go, and he’ll come into calculations,” said McCullum.

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“It’s hugely exciting. He’s buzzing as well. He’s obviously been through his injuries and his time out of Test cricket, but we all know what he’s capable of achieving and we hope that when the opportunity does arrive for him, he’s able to recapture and improve on what he’s been able to do already,” he added.

The pitch at Edgbaston was flat, with a total of 1692 runs scored across five days, marking the highest aggregate between England and India.

“Something with a bit more pace, a bit more bounce, and maybe a little bit of sideways (movement), hopefully,” England’s head coach stated when asked about the surface for the Lord’s Test.

He stated that the upcoming match will be mouth-watering, hinting that the pitch will offer a lot to the bowlers.

“It’ll be a blockbuster either way, but I think it’s going to set up for a cracker, especially if there’s plenty of life in it,” McCullum said.

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Ben Stokes urges England to be smarter with their comments

England’s Test captain Ben Stokes has supported head coach Brendon McCullum’s notion of being smarter with their comments ahead of a hugely important summer.

While speaking to the media ahead of the one-off Test against Zimbabwe, Ben Stokes emphasized comments that England players had made in the past couple of years.

Ben Stokes, who will be playing his first competitive match since picking up a hamstring injury during last year’s tour of New Zealand, stated that comments made by himself, Brendon McCullum, and other players are sometimes misinterpreted when reported by the media.

“Yeah, I think what’s the messaging we have delivered over sort of last two and half or three years, let’s say has been for a multiple of reasons, you know the words that we say mean bigger things in our minds,” Ben Stokes said.

“I and Buzz [Brendon McCullum] and particular and sometimes when those sort of comments that we say come across in the media by some of the other lads that get heavily taken out of context,” Ben Stokes added.

Ben Stokes called for his team players to be smart with their words while taking the blame on himself for the interaction.

“I can totally understand that as to why that may frustrate or annoy fans, public. We always want public to be on our side. We know how much support we get and we value that incredibly.

“But now we have spoken about that and just be a little smarter about some of the comments that we, how we deliver it may be and I partly take a bit of blame for that as well because when sometimes I speak and I’ ve got a bigger meaning towards that does not mean everyone understand the bigger picture of that, if that makes sense, Ben Stokes explained.

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Earlier, Brendon McCullum suggested that his side is ‘shooting for the stars’ ahead of a packed summer, but urged that players need to remain humble.

The statement comes in light of criticism England players have faced for reacting to their losses in public.

A month earlier, England speedster Mark Wood admitted to the fact that the team players have said ‘dumb’ things in the media.

It is pertinent to mention that the three lions were also under immense criticism from former batter Kevin Pietersen for not training enough, particularly during the white-ball tour of India earlier this year.

For this reason, England’s managing director, Rob Key, also gave a statement in March that the [England] players need to “stop talking rubbish”.

For the unversed, England will start their summer with a one-off historic Test against Zimbabwe on Thursday. This will be Zimbabwe’s first on English soil in 23 years.

The match will be followed by a white-ball series against West Indies under new captain Harry Brook. England will later face the challenge of India in a five-match Test series, starting from 20 June.

READ: Jofra Archer ruled out of ODI series against West Indies

Brendon McCullum vows to push ‘miserable’ Jos Buttler

England’s newly appointed white-ball head coach Brendon McCullum shared his plans for the “miserable” Jos Buttler, stating he wants the latter to enjoy the next three or four years.

McCullum, who reinvigorated England’s Test side alongside skipper Ben Stokes after assuming the head coach role in 2022, seeks to inject a similar approach to the limited-overs teams.

The former New Zealand captain extended his contract until the end of 2027, officially taking over the reins of England’s white-ball men’s teams in January ahead of their tour of India and the Champions Trophy in Pakistan.

One of Brendon McCullum’s emphases was to revive the fortunes of limited-overs captain Jos Buttler, who according to him, is not naturally expressive.

“He’s not naturally as expressive as some may be but I think he’s done a great job. He’s an incredibly gifted player and he’s a fine leader,” said McCullum.

“My job is to get the best out of him so that all those guys that sit in the dressing room feel like they can be 10 feet tall and bulletproof when they walk out to play.”

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The former New Zealand captain added: “Jos and I actually start from a strong base. We know each other, we’re mates, we have similar styles of play.

“If he was to retire today, he’d go down as probably the greatest white-ball player England’s ever produced, so the opportunity for the next three or four years is just to enjoy it.”

Notably, Jos Buttler will miss England’s upcoming T20I series against arch-rivals Australia due to a calf injury but Brendon McCullum backed the skipper he called England’s greatest-ever white-ball player to come good in the twilight of his career.

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Brendon McCullum eager to make England white-ball teams ‘bulletproof’

Test coach Brendon McCullum says he wants to make England’s white-ball teams feel “10 feet tall and bulletproof” when he takes charge of the limited-overs sides in a major leadership shake-up.

The New Zealander has reinvigorated England’s Test set-up alongside captain Ben Stokes since 2022 and will seek to bring his attacking approach to the limited-overs teams.

McCullum, 42, has extended his contract until the end of 2027, officially taking over the one-day international and Twenty20 sides in January to coincide with a tour of India and the Champions Trophy in Pakistan.

He will succeed Matthew Mott, sacked as coach in July following lacklustre defences of England’s 50-over and Twenty20 World Cup titles.

One of McCullum’s most pressing tasks is to revive the fortunes of limited-overs skipper Jos Buttler.

Buttler, 33, will miss the upcoming T20 series against Australia with a calf injury but McCullum backed the man he called England’s greatest-ever white-ball player to come good in the twilight of his career.

“He’s not naturally as expressive as some may be but I think he’s done a great job. He’s an incredibly gifted player and he’s a fine leader,” said McCullum.

“My job is to get the best out of him so that all those guys that sit in the dressing room feel like they can be 10 feet tall and bulletproof when they walk out to play.”

The former New Zealand captain added: “Jos and I actually start from a strong base. We know each other, we’re mates, we have similar styles of play.

“If he was to retire today, he’d go down as probably the greatest white-ball player England’s ever produced, so the opportunity for the next three or four years is just to enjoy it.”

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Brendon McCullum was speaking at The Oval, where England face Sri Lanka in the final Test of their 2024 home campaign starting Friday.

England are already 2-0 up in the three-match series, having whitewashed the West Indies 3-0 earlier in the season.

One more win would give England their first perfect home Test season in 20 years and be a further endorsement of their progress under McCullum and Stokes.

They could now be together for at least two more Ashes series, with McCullum also leaving the door open for Stokes to continue to feature in major white-ball events.

“The skipper and I haven’t spoken about that actually but I’m assuming he’s all in. He seems like that sort of bloke.”

Stokes, 33, came out of one-day international retirement to play in the 50-over World Cup last year but has not played white-ball cricket for England since.

“There’ll be some bilateral series where we simply can’t have all of our best players playing at the same time,” added McCullum.

“But when it comes to major events and big series, I think those players are very much in those discussions.

“Ben loves big moments and big stages.”

As for his own increased responsibilities, an optimistic McCullum said: “I don’t see it being a problem… It’s going to be an added workload that’s for sure, but some bets are worth it, right?”

READ: England seek Pakistan clarity after reports say Test could be moved

Brendon McCullum named England’s white-ball head coach

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) today confirmed that Men’s Test Head Coach Brendon McCullum will also take on the role of England’s White-Ball Head Coach as part of a strategic restructure of the England Men’s senior set-up.

McCullum, who has been at the helm since May 2022, has extended his contract until the end of 2027.

He will assume leadership of both the Test and white-ball teams starting January 2025, coinciding with England’s white-ball tour of India and the ICC Champions Trophy.

In the interim, Marcus Trescothick will serve as Interim Head Coach for the upcoming series against Australia and the tour of the Caribbean later this year.

Commenting on the restructure, Rob Key, Managing Director of England Men’s Cricket, said:

“I’m delighted that Brendon has chosen to do both roles now with England. I believe we are incredibly fortunate that a coach of his quality is prepared to commit wholeheartedly to English cricket.

“Being able to align all teams now is particularly exciting and we look forward to taking on all challenges that come our way.

“For the last two years, constant clashes between formats have made it challenging for the white-ball environment; fortunately, these are easing starting from January.

“The timing of the schedule (from January) will allow him to dedicate the necessary focus to both roles, and we’re confident this restructure will bring out the best in our players and coaching staff.”

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Brendon McCullum, England Men’s Head Coach, added:

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time with the Test team, and I’m excited to extend my role to include the white-ball sides. This new challenge is something I’m ready to embrace, and I’m eager to work closely with Jos (Buttler) and the team to build on the strong foundations that are already in place.

“Rob Key’s vision for the future of English cricket is something that really resonated with me. The idea of a unified coaching structure, especially with the schedule easing next year, made perfect sense. I’m energised by the prospect of guiding both teams and am grateful for the support from the ECB and my family as I take on these added responsibilities.

“The talent within English cricket is immense, and I’m looking forward to helping these players reach their full potential. My goal is to create an environment where everyone can thrive and where we can continue to compete at the highest level across all formats.”

After the Test series ends against Sri Lanka at the Kia Oval next week, McCullum will take a short break at home in New Zealand before joining the Test team for their winter tours of Pakistan in October and the three-match Test series against New Zealand in December.

READ: Shan Masood highlights Pakistan’s shortcomings against Bangladesh

Betting ads land England coach McCullum in deep trouble

England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is looking into a possible breach of their anti-corruption rules by Test head coach Brendon McCullum with regard to his relationship with a betting company.

McCullum signed a deal with the Cyprus-registered bookmaker, 22Bet India, in November 2022, six months after he took charge of England men’s side in the current role.

However, the 41-year-old was pushed into a tight spot only recently after advertisements on Youtube and social media posts from the ex-New Zealand captain, promoting betting on the IPL, came under scrutiny in his home country.

In response to McCullum’s association with the company, the ECB issued a statement stating, “We are currently exploring the matter, and [are] in discussions with Brendon around his relationship with the Cypriot-based betting company, 22Bet. We have rules in place around gambling, and will always seek to ensure these are followed.”

The ECB’s anti-corruption code states “participants” are prohibited from “directly or indirectly enticing, persuading, encouraging or facilitating any other party to enter into a bet in relation to the result, progress, conduct or any other aspect of any match or competition”.

Last week, New Zealand’s Problem Gambling Foundation filed an official complaint to the country’s Department of Internal Affairs (DIA). In response, the DIA confirmed 22Bet’s adverts are misleading because “they are not a registered New Zealand sports bookmaker, nor are they licensed or regulated in New Zealand by the DIA”.

An official complaint was filed against 22Bet’s adverts to New Zealand’s Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) by Problem Gambling Foundation.

In response, the DIA pronounced the adverts misleading because “they are not a registered New Zealand sports bookmaker, nor are they licensed or regulated in New Zealand by the DIA”.

Consequently, adverts featuring McCullum and 22Bet India have been geoblocked for users in New Zealand. The ECB was also apprised about the matter by the Problem Gambling Foundation.

In the adverts, McCullum was promoting betting on the ongoing Indian Premier League. In a video posted on Facebook, he says:

“The IPL is coming, and I think all cricket fans are excited for this big event. My friends at 22Bet are ready to make your IPL experience even more fascinating. 22Bet India guarantees the best odds.” he said In a video posted on Facebook

McCullum’s agent, Simon Auteri, on the other hand, told a British newspaper in a statement, “We are speaking to the ECB about this. I am not going to comment on anything. We are working through it.”

READ: Mickey Arthur to visit Pakistan amid New Zealand serie

England coach McCullum plots to topple his native New Zealand

WELLINGTON: Former Black Caps captain Brendon McCullum thinks patriotic cricket fans will forgive him for coaching England against New Zealand, as long as the two sides deliver an entertaining clash.

“I guess so,” he told reporters in Hamilton Thursday when asked if it felt odd to wear England’s cricket kit in his native New Zealand, “but it’s nice to be here”.

“We’re looking forward to the challenge in front of us with New Zealand.”

The 41-year-old retired from Test cricket in 2016 having scored nearly 6,500 runs for New Zealand in 101 Tests, including 12 centuries.

Born in Dunedin at the bottom of New Zealand’s South Island, McCullum has enjoyed a dream start since taking over as England coach last May.

He helped engineer a home series win against South Africa plus a clean sweep of three Tests in Pakistan.

There was also a famous Test win against India at Edgbaston last July, when England chased down a record 378 while losing just three wickets — as well as a 3-0 series win over New Zealand on English soil last June.

“It’s been a good start, definitely. Results have been great,” McCullum said.

Next up is his first tour in New Zealand as England coach with two Tests against the Black Caps, starting at Mount Maunganui next Thursday before a second in Wellington the following week.

McCullum, once one of the game’s most entertaining players, does not expect a hostile reception from the Kiwi crowds.

“It should be alright, I would think. Obviously people are patriotic.

“Even if sometimes your own team doesn’t win, you still walk away knowing you have had a hell of a day out.

“Hopefully that will be the case during this series.”

New Zealand host England with new captain Tim Southee taking charge in his first home series since Kane Williamson stood down as skipper.

Williamson will go head to head with England captain Ben Stokes in a highly anticipated clash between two of the world’s best batters.

McCullum described Stokes as “the sort of guy who writes his own scripts and achieves some pretty special things”.

The Black Caps drew two Tests against Pakistan in January, but managed only one victory from six limited-overs games against India earlier this year.

McCullum was full of praise for Southee, who he played alongside for the Black Caps.

“We know New Zealand will be very good in these conditions, Tim will be creative, as he always is, and I look forward to seeing how we respond to that.”

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Ben Stokes equals coach Brendon McCullum’s Test record

MULTAN: England Test captain Ben Stokes equalled his coach Brendon McCullum’s famed record of hitting the most sixes in Test cricket amid his 41-run knock against Pakistan in the ongoing second Test.

Stokes, who resumed England’s second innings at 202/5 with Harry Brook, played an important knock of 41 runs in 51 balls and briefly carried his overnight partnership with the latter to set England to finish at a decent total.

Amid his 41-run knock, the left-handed batter smashed one boundary and a six.

Stokes’ six against Pakistan in the second innings was his career’s 107th six in 160 innings that propelled him to equal McCullum’s record of as many sixes.

McCullum took 176 innings to set the bar, while Stokes equalled the tally with 16 innings fewer than his coach.

It is pertinent to mention that a vital 108-run partnership between Imam-ul-Haq and Saud Shakeel anchored Pakistan to 198/4 at the stumps on day three, requiring another 157 runs to square off a series-levelling victory.

Pakistan opener Imam, who came out to bat at number five perished in the closing minutes of the third day’s action after scoring a fighting half-century.

Whereas, Saud stood firm with his unbeaten 54 and will resume the run chase with Faheem Ashraf (3*) on an anticipated decisive day of the second Test.

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