The newly appointed England’s red-ball coach Brendon Mccullum said the three lions can change the “downward trend” in Test cricket. McCullum, as England’s Test coach, will have his first assignment against New Zealand. He said Test cricket is the ultimate format but it has seen a dip in popularity in recent times.
“I played a lot of white-ball cricket as well as red-ball cricket, and Test cricket is the pinnacle of the sport for me,” McCullum said. “If you look where the game sits around the world, it’s probably on a slightly downward trend. One nation that can really change things in England, with the tradition and the fan following. For us to be competitive can shift the perception.”
Last year was a disaster for England as it won just one out of the 13 tests they played. Due to this, they lie at the bottom positions of the World Test Championship points table. England’s horrible record in recent times forced Joe Root to step down from captaincy. England and Wales Cricket Board then appointed all-rounder Ben Stokes as the Test captain.
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ECB eyeing to get back on winning ways
With major changes in leadership and management roles, the England Cricket Board is leaving no stones unturned and hopes to bounce back strongly. Commenting on this, McCullum said it is going to take time but England will come around robustly as they have the talent and the potential.
“It’s going to take time,” he said. “Trying to get these guys, who have an immense amount of talent, playing to their potential, playing for one another, be a good representation of England. Hopefully, we will be able to achieve some good stuff along the way. Certainly, in time we can get to No1, the challenge for the Ashes and be up there when talking about the best teams in the world. We have a long way to go.”
McCullum has previously coached only T20 sides like Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL who had a forgettable season this year. He is also associated with the Trinbago Knight Riders. Let’s wish his way of not focusing too much on techniques but rather giving freedom to players makes wonders for England.
