NEW DELHI: England’s head coach, Brendon McCullum, known for revolutionising Test cricket with his ultra-aggressive ‘Bazball’ approach, surprised many on Monday by declaring that England will adopt a “watchful style of cricket” in the upcoming limited-overs series against India.
This marks McCullum’s debut in charge of England’s white-ball squad, having achieved remarkable success as their Test coach since May 2022.
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The five-match T20I series kicks off on Wednesday at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, followed by three ODIs.
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“I know it’s going to be a tough tour, taking on a very good Indian side, but I’m sure we’ll play what I hope is a very watchful style of cricket,” McCullum said during a media interaction in Kolkata.
The ODI series is seen as a critical preparatory phase for both teams ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy, scheduled to take place in Pakistan and Dubai from February 19.
“We’ll use the next few weeks to hit the ground running. There will be times when we don’t quite get it right, but hopefully, we can work through that and be in top shape for the Champions Trophy,” he added.
McCullum, who succeeded Matthew Mott as England’s white-ball coach in September, is now balancing dual roles as both Test and limited-overs coach. Despite England’s reputation for power-hitting, McCullum stressed the need to adapt to Indian conditions and leverage their diverse resources.
“You won’t win every game, but it’s about getting the best out of the talent we have, gelling the guys together, and finding complementary skills,” McCullum noted.
England boasts a formidable lineup, with explosive batters, sharp fielders, world-class spinners, and a pace attack capable of unsettling any opponent. McCullum emphasized the importance of blending these strengths effectively to maximize their chances.
Skipper Jos Buttler, who led England to the T20 World Cup title in 2022 and was part of their 2019 ODI World Cup-winning squad, has faced challenges in maintaining the team’s dominance in recent months. McCullum, however, expressed full confidence in Buttler’s leadership.
“Jos is excited about the team and the opportunities ahead. Leading in the latter part of your career can sometimes feel like a burden, but it can also free you up to enjoy the game and focus on bringing the best out of your teammates,” McCullum said.
The coach predicted a strong resurgence from Buttler, adding, “I’m sure we’ll see Jos smiling on the field, enjoying himself, and performing at his best.”
England’s multi-faceted squad will face a strong Indian team in this high-stakes series, which is expected to provide thrilling encounters and set the tone for the upcoming Champions Trophy.
